The Holy Girdle of the Mother of God, accompanied by the Venerable Archimandrite Jefrem, abbot of the Vatoped Monastery, arrived at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport and was taken to the Ascension Church. The arrival was met with a solemn ceremony, including the singing of the Serbian national anthem. The Girdle will be on display at the Ascension Church, where believers will have the opportunity to venerate it, before being transferred to the Cathedral of Saint Sava on Spasovdan (May 21).
Thousands of Faithful Greet the Holy Girdle
Outside the Ascension Cathedral, Patriarch Porfirije, Bishop Dositej, the church elders, archbishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and numerous believers formed long queues to venerate the Girdle. The arrival was marked with a solemn ceremony, including the singing of the Serbian national anthem and a hymn in honor of the Mother of God. The Girdle will be on display at the Ascension Church, allowing believers to venerate it, before being transferred to the Cathedral of Saint Sava on Spasovdan (May 21).
Patriarch Addresses the Gathering
Following the arrival, Patriarch Porfirije addressed the gathered believers. In the evening, a divine liturgy was conducted. Believers at the Ascension Church venerated the Holy Girdle and received blessed threads along with instructions in six languages.
Earlier in the Day
In the morning, Patriarch Porfirije and President Aleksandar Vučić greeted the Holy Girdle at the Nikola Tesla Airport. The Girdle will lead the Spasovdan procession through the city center tomorrow.
Photos: Bobana Ćevriz / Ringier
This is a truly spiritual moment for Serbian believers, isn't it? The Holy Girdle brings a sense of unity and devotion that's hard to match. But do you think such religious events distract from more pressing issues in the Balkans?