The Arrival of the Holy Belt of the Mother of God

The Holy Belt of the Mother of, or Presveta Bogorodica as it is known, is considered a miraculous relic by Orthodox Christians and is often referred to as "a piece of heaven." The relic, which has been believed to have healing powers, has arrived in Belgrade after more than six centuries. Citizens will have the opportunity to venerate the relic and pray before it on the feast of Ascension, which falls on May 21st.

According to tradition, the Mother of God wove the belt herself from camel hair and kept it with her when she received the good news of the birth of Jesus and when Christ was crucified. Three days after her death, she allegedly gave the belt to Saint Thomas. The belt was later found by the Byzantine Empress Zoe, who was severely ill, and it helped her recover. The belt was then adorned with gold thread, which has helped it survive to this day.

The belt was transported to Constantinople (Istanbul) in the fourth century, where it was adorned with gold thread by Pulcheria, the daughter of Emperor Arcadius. In the fifth century, it was relocated to Cappadocia before returning to Constantinople. It was then part of a royal cross, which was believed to bring blessings in battle, and was eventually captured by the Bulgarians. Serbian King Stefan Decanski later won it back from the Bulgarians in battle, and Lazar of Serbia donated it to the Vatopedi Monastery.

The relic has only been exhibited in Greece and Russia previously. Now, it has arrived in Belgrade for the first time, and it will remain there until May 29th.

The Healing Power of the Holy Belt

There are numerous testimonies of miraculous healings and other blessings received by those who have approached the Holy Belt with faith and prayer. A tradition has emerged among the monks of Mount Athos to give out small pieces of the belt, which have been blessed on the relic, to pilgrims for spiritual strength and blessing.

The Patriarch Porphyrius and President Vučić welcomed the Holy Belt at Nikola Tesla Airport. On Ascension Day, May 21st, from 9 AM, the Patriarch will serve the liturgy at the Ascension Church. The Holy Belt will be transferred to the Church of Saint Sava on Vračar at the end of the liturgy and will remain in Belgrade until May 29th. It is expected that 300,000 "silk strips" blessed over the Holy Belt at the Vatopedi Monastery will be distributed to the public at the end of the liturgy.