The Placing of the Precious Sash of Our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God in Calcoprateia (942)
Polyeleos Feast.
Hebrews 9:1-7; Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28
Read Hebrews 9:1-7
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city* and to our souls great mercy.
Today, brothers and sisters, on the last day of the current liturgical year, we celebrate the Feast of the Placing of the Precious Sash of the Mother of God in the Church in Calcoprateia which is a district of Constantinople. This feast was established to commemorate a particular miracle which occurred when the sash of the Mother of God was placed on the Empress Zoe to heal her of an infirmity. This miracle occurred back in the 10th century.
To this day, pilgrimages to Marian shrines are organized and occur throughout the world. The faithful assemble at these sites to venerate miraculous icons and to pray in various spots where the Mother of God appeared to protect, defend, and console her faithful children. The faithful come to ask for her intercession for their various needs and trials.
The Mother of God has been a constant intercessor for her faithful children, saving cities from destruction, turning back the wayward to her Son, and healing various diseases and infirmities. May we always have recourse to her with our needs.