The Holy Cincture of the Theotokos from the Monastery of Vatopedi arrives in Kilkis

In an atmosphere of Paschal joy, the Holy Clergy and the pious People of Kilkis, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Polyana and Kilkis, welcomed on Thursday afternoon, 15 May 2025, the Holy Belt (Cincture) of the Most Holy Theotokos, which is kept in the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos.

The faithful welcomed the unique relic that our Blessed Mother of God has left us from her earthly life with rose petals and bay leaves upon its arrival, which was brought by the Abbot of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim, accompanied by Fathers of the Monastery, as well as by His Eminence Metropolitan Timotheos of Thessaliotis and Fanariofersala.

His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Polyana and Kilkis, holding the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary, blessed the men of the Army who paid the due honours, the representatives of the Cultural Associations of the region with their banners and the hundreds of believers who gathered in a procession to the Metropolitan Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour of Kilkis.

In the courtyard of the Church, the Mayor of the city, Mr. Dimitrios Kyriakidis, wished “that the blessing of the Virgin Mary may be beneficially offered in the place, may it spread to every pilgrimage during her short stay in Kilkis and may it cover our hearts with peace and warmth.”

A thanksgiving Doxology was then celebrated, with the faithful flocking with awe and emotion to pray and venerate the Holy Belt.

Elder Ephraim and his entourage were appropriately addressed by the Shepherd of Kilkis, offering Elder Ephraim, as a gift of gratitude and love, a pectoral cross. The Abbot, in his response, emphasised the blessings offered by the Virgin Mary, as well as the miraculous interventions of the Holy Belt of the Theotokos, offering an Icon of it to the Metropolitan Church.

In the evening, in a devout atmosphere, an Hierarchical Holy Vigil was held, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Polyana and Kilkis, who was joined by Fathers and Hierodeacons, while the Holy chanting stand was offered by the “Ergastirio Parasimantikis” choir under the guidance of the Protopsaltis, Mr. Sotirios Despotis.

The Holy Belt of the Theotokos carries with it centuries of prayer, miracles, and consolation.

Her presence in the bordering city of Kilkis reminds us of the loving presence of the Virgin Mary, her protection and intercession in the lives of all of us.

In a time full of challenges, such moments soothe the soul, rekindle faith, and unite hearts.