A Call for Respect and Spiritual Unity

Bogoljub Karić has publicly addressed the recent arrival of the Belt of the Virgin Mary in Belgrade, calling for respect towards the thousands of faithful participating in the pilgrimage. In an open letter, the billionaire and traditionalist expressed his deep admiration for the event, describing it as a moment of profound spiritual and historical significance for the Serbian people.

Karić emphasized that the relic connects modern Serbia with its apostolic roots, Byzantine heritage, and the spiritual legacy established during the Nemanjić dynasty. He observed that hundreds of thousands of citizens, including families, mothers with children, and the elderly, stood in queues for hours to pay homage. For many, he noted, this pilgrimage represents prayer, hope, healing, and a source of strength amidst uncertainty.

Faith as the Foundation of Identity

The entrepreneur criticized those who mock or belittle the pilgrims, asserting that while belief is a matter of personal choice, no one has the right to humiliate others for their faith. Karić shared that he and his grandchildren waited in line for over fourteen hours, noting the absence of anger or conflict. Instead, he witnessed kindness, patience, and mutual support among the crowd, including young families with strollers and people helping one another.

He reflected on the historical role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in preserving the nation's language, script, and identity during periods when the state was absent. Karić recalled learning his first letters at the Peć Patriarchate, underscoring that Serbia's educational and cultural foundations were born within monasteries and churches. He argued that a nation that respects its priests, teachers, and doctors possesses a future, while one that does not risks losing its continuity.

Tradition in the Modern Age

Karić concluded by highlighting the presence of young people at the pilgrimage, viewing it not as a regression but as a search for meaning in an era dominated by rapid technological change. He suggested that artificial intelligence and machines cannot answer fundamental existential questions about identity, morality, and legacy. For millions, he stated, these sacred relics are not superstition but integral parts of family and national identity, offering peace and connection to ancestors that the modern world often fails to provide.