A question about "relics"

[Dominus Fidelis]

Ok, so the Belt is in fact intact? Also, where is the hand of Mary Magdelan? Why is it not attached to her body? And same question for St John Chrysostom's ear.

Thanks

 

[prodromos]

The belt has been divided into three pieces I believe, one of which is treasured at the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos which is also home to the incorrupt skull and left* ear of Saint John Chrysostom. The left hand of Mary Magdalene is treasured at the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra. It is still soft, brown and pliable and gives off a sweet fragrance. I presume the rest of her body's flesh dissolved, allowing her relics to be distributed to other churches and monasteries. The incorrupt right hand of Saint John the Baptist (with which he baptised our Lord Jesus Christ) is treasured at the Holy Monastery of Philotheou on Mount Athos IIRC.

Note that "incorrupt" does not necessarily mean that the flesh has not dissolved. With some relics the flesh has become mummified, in others the flesh appears as it did when the saint died (such as Saint Spyridon of Corfu), but for most it means that the bones have not disintegrated even after centuries.

John.

* I thought it was the right. My mistake