A Historic Farewell in Belgrade

The Sacred Belt of the Virgin Mary, one of the most revered relics in Orthodox Christianity, will depart from the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade today. The relic, which has been displayed in the Serbian capital since May 20, is returning to its permanent home at the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos. The departure marks the end of a month-long veneration that drew more than 800,000 faithful from across the region and beyond.

The farewell ceremony will commence with a Divine Liturgy presided over by Serbian Patriarch Porfirije. Following the service and an Akathist hymn dedicated to the Theotokos, the relic will be escorted out of the cathedral. The procession will feature the highest honors from both the church and the state, including the Guard of the Serbian Army, the Orchestra of the Ministry of Interior, folk ensembles, and choirs.

High Turnout and Extended Stay

The presence of the Sacred Belt in Belgrade has been a major spiritual event for the Serbian Orthodox Church. Initially scheduled for a shorter stay, the relic's visit was extended twice at the direct initiative of Patriarch Porfirije due to overwhelming public interest. According to the Serbian Orthodox Church, the tradition of venerating such relics involves placing them on a pedestal so that pilgrims can pass underneath, receiving a blessing while offering prayers for themselves and their loved ones.

Patriarch Porfirije has called on all believers to participate in the final farewell. "We invite the faithful nation to take prayerful part in this historic spiritual solemnity and thank the Mother of God and Her Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for the great blessing with which They have covered the Serbian capital, our homeland, and the Orthodox Serbian people," he stated. He urged believers to gather at the covenantal temple on Vračar to properly see off the great relic and the highly reverend Abbot Ephraim of Vatopedi along with his monastic brotherhood.

The return journey to Mount Athos underscores the deep religious ties between Serbia and the monastic republic in Greece. For many Orthodox Christians, the Sacred Belt is considered a symbol of protection and maternal care. The massive turnout in Belgrade highlights the enduring significance of such relics in contemporary Balkan religious life, bridging centuries of tradition with modern pilgrimage practices.