A Test of Faith and Endurance

The recent veneration of the Belt of the Virgin Mary drew over a million pilgrims from across the region, creating scenes of profound spiritual devotion. Among the thousands was Brano Ivanović, a resident of Sombor, who shared a harrowing yet uplifting account of his journey. Ivanović spent six hours standing in line, enduring physical exhaustion that nearly prevented him from reaching his goal.

His ordeal peaked just moments before he could enter the church. Standing near the entrance, Ivanović felt a sudden wave of weakness. He feared he would collapse entirely. In a desperate attempt to regain his strength, he consumed a piece of candy and prayed fervently. The combination of sugar and faith seemed to work, allowing him to push through the final barrier.

"We got in line at 4:15 AM," Ivanović recalled, still catching his breath. "After six hours, we reached the front. Right at the church entrance, I felt terrible. I thought I was going to faint. I took a candy, prayed to God, and it helped. My faith in the Belt helped me make it."

Immediate Relief and Gratitude

Despite the fear that he might not make it to the relic, Ivanović successfully entered the Temple of Saint Sava. Upon crossing the threshold and approaching the sacred object, he experienced an immediate sense of physical and spiritual relief. The anxiety that had gripped him during the long wait vanished, replaced by deep gratitude.

"When I finally entered, I felt much better," he said. "I was afraid I wouldn't be able to reach it, but I did. I stood before the Belt."

Relic Returns to Mount Athos

The pilgrimage marked the end of a historic exhibition. The relic, which had drawn massive crowds seeking peace and strength, has now been ceremonially returned to its permanent home. The casket containing the fragment of the belt was transported back to the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, where it has been preserved for centuries. Thousands of pilgrims, like Ivanović, left the site feeling renewed in their faith.