A Historic Departure from Belgrade

The Sacred Belt of the Virgin Mary is set to leave Belgrade today, concluding a highly anticipated pilgrimage period at the Temple of Saint Sava. The revered Orthodox relic will make its way back to the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, marking the end of a spiritual journey that has captivated the Serbian Orthodox community. Since its arrival on Pentecost, May 20, the relic has drawn more than 800,000 worshippers, a figure so substantial that the Serbian Orthodox Church extended its stay in the capital twice upon the initiative of Patriarch Porfirije.

The ceremony today serves as the final farewell for one of Christianity’s most significant relics. The day began with a Holy Liturgy led by Patriarch Porfirije inside the massive temple on Vračar hill. Thousands gathered early, eager to pass under the relic, which was elevated on a pedestal within the church. This centuries-old tradition allows believers to receive a blessing and sacred ribbons while praying for themselves and their loved ones. The sheer volume of attendees meant that lines moved swiftly, with many entering without lengthy delays to honor the tradition.

State and Church Honors

Following the liturgy and an Akathist hymn to the Virgin Mary, a formal farewell service commenced at 14:00. The event was marked by the highest ecclesiastical and state honors, reflecting the relic's profound importance to national identity. The Serbian Army Guard, the Ministry of Internal Affairs Orchestra, folk dance groups, choirs, and theology students participated in the procession. The atmosphere was solemn yet celebratory, underscoring the deep connection between the Serbian state and the Orthodox Church.

Patriarch Porfirije urged the faithful to join the farewell, describing it as a historic spiritual occasion. "Let us come to our covenant temple on Vračar to dignifiedly see off the great relic and the highly reverent Abbot Jefrem of Vatopedi and his holy brotherhood," he stated. The Abbot and his monks have been instrumental in caring for the belt during its extended stay in Serbia. As the relic prepares for its return to the monastic republic on Mount Athos, the event stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith in the Balkans, drawing hundreds of thousands to a single site in a matter of weeks.