A Star Among the Faithful

The streets of Belgrade have seen a different kind of celebrity this week. Vivien Kurtović, a singer known for her performances in the bohemian Skadarlija quarter and her stint on the reality show Zadruga, has traded the spotlight for service. She has been volunteering at the St. Sava Temple, helping pack the blessed ribbons distributed to pilgrims visiting the Belt of the Theotokos, one of the most powerful Christian relics in the Orthodox world.

Kurtović shared the moment on Instagram, posting a video of the process. "Packing the Belt of the Theotokos, which arrived directly from Hilandar Monastery. See you there," she wrote, signaling her personal connection to the spiritual event.

Service Over Fame

For Kurtović, this is not a publicity stunt. She explains that she dedicates her free time to helping those in need. "I serve food, organize clothes, clean, wash dishes, chop cabbage," she stated honestly. "I come here to help from the heart. I have the free time to volunteer, and when I finish, I eat."

The demand for the relic's presence has been overwhelming. Organizers initially prepared 300,000 blessed ribbons, but the crowds have defied expectations. Lines outside the temple stretch for blocks, constantly renewing as pilgrims from across Serbia and the wider Balkan region arrive, often waiting hours or even overnight in quiet prayer.

Extended Stay and Shared Blessings

Due to the unprecedented turnout, the stay of the Belt in Belgrade has been extended until June 5. The Church emphasizes that the core of the visit is a spiritual act—prayer, reverence, and a personal encounter with the holy relic. The ribbon serves as a tangible blessing to be shared.

Priests at the temple clarify that each pilgrim receives one ribbon, which can be cut into at least ten pieces. This allows the faithful to share the blessing with family members and loved ones who could not make the journey, particularly those in need of spiritual support. The event underscores a deep communal faith, transcending the usual boundaries of entertainment and daily life in the Serbian capital.