On May 21, Beograd celebrates Spasovdan, its city holiday, with a traditional litija procession and the arrival of a revered relic from Mount Athos. The litija, a solemn religious procession, will start from the Church of the Ascension and end at the Temple of Saint Sava, a significant event for Orthodox believers.
The Arrival of a Holy Relic
The highlight of this year's celebrations is the arrival of the belt of the Mother of God, a significant relic from the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos. This is the first time in almost 650 years that the relic has been brought to Beograd, making it a momentous occasion for the faithful.
Procession Route
The litija procession will follow a traditional route, beginning from the Church of the Ascension. It will move along Knez Mihailova Street, King Milan Street, circle the Slavija traffic roundabout, proceed along Liberation Boulevard towards the St. Sava plateau near Karađorđev Park, and then directly to the main western entrance of the St. Sava Temple. Due to the procession, there may be temporary traffic disruptions along the route, and drivers are advised to use alternative routes.
The Patriarch Porfirije will lead the celebratory liturgy at the Church of the Ascension, with assistance from archbishops, Mount Athos monks, and local clergy. Following the service, the relic will be brought to the Temple of Saint Sava for believers to venerate.
This year's Spasovdan celebrations in Beograd promise to be a significant event, combining tradition with the arrival of a holy relic, bringing joy and spiritual significance to the city's faithful.
This year's Spasovdan celebrations in Belgrade are a beautiful blend of tradition and spirituality. The arrival of the holy relic is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many. How does it feel to witness such a rare and sacred moment in your city?