March 24, 2020

The Holy Zoni of the Theotokos and the Cholera Epidemic of 1864 in Constantinople


In 1864 the Holy Zoni (Girdle) of the Mother of God was brought to Constantinople by monks from Vatopaidi Monastery on the Holy Mountain, due to a cholera epidemic that ravaged its inhabitants. As soon as the ship arrived at the port, the cholera ceased and there were no longer any reports of death even by those infected.

This strange miracle astounded the sultan, and he requested for the Honorable Zoni to be brought to the palace in order for him to venerate it.

While the Holy Zoni was in Constantinople, a Greek resident from Galata asked that it be brought to his house, because his son was very ill. By the time the Holy Zoni arrived, he had died. The monks however did not lose hope. Instead, they asked to be brought to him. As soon as they placed the Honorable Zoni on him, the dead boy resurrected.

From the book Miracles of the Holy Zoni published by Vatopaidi Monastery.