Saint Thomas, by the Providence of God, was not present for the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos. Arriving on the third day, he was in pain that he did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to Panagia. The Apostles opened the tomb so Saint Thomas could venerate her Holy body. To their amazement, the tomb was empty except for Panagia’s burial clothes.
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That evening the Holy Apostles had gathered at a house to strengthen themselves with food, Our Most Holy Mother of God appeared to them and said to them: “Rejoice, for I am with you all the days of your lives.” This gladdened the Apostles and everyone with them, that they took a portion of the bread, set aside at the meal in memory of the Saviour (“the Lord’s Portion”), and they exclaimed : “Most Holy Theotokos, save us”. This is the beginning of the practice in Monasteries of offering up the “Panagia” (“All-Holy”), a portion of bread in honour of the Mother of God.
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Ascending to Heaven, Our Most Holy Mother of God removed her Holy Belt and gave it to Saint Thomas. The Holy Belt of Our Most Holy Mother of God is kept on Mount Athos. It remains a source of Miraculous Healings and Blessings for us all.
