Source: UNIAN
August 3, 2016
A festive All-Night Vigil was held in Simenopetra Monastery on August 3 in honor of the day of commemoration of the Holy, Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene (July 22/August 4), whose left hand is one of the main relics of the monastery.
The festive divine service was officiated by His Eminence Joseph, Metropolitan of Prinkiponisos.
A special place among the holy objects comprising the treasury of Simenopetra Monastery is occupied by the left hand of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene.
The hand of this saint is incorrupt and emits a sweet fragrance. Those who venerate it testify that the hand is warm, maintaining the temperature of the human body.
Owing to many miracles occurring at the relics of Holy, Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary, the brothers of the monastery consider her to be a second patron of the monastery.
The sacred myrrh-streaming relics of St. Mary were festively translated from Ephesus to Constantinople by the Emperor Leo IV the Philosopher in 890, being placed in the Monastery of St. Lazarus.
Currently relics of St. Mary Magdalene are known to be located in the following Athonite monasteries: Simenopetra (hand), Esphigmenou (foot), Dochariou (particle), Koutloumousiou (particle).
