An extraordinary atmosphere has gripped Belgrade for days, a scene unseen in the capital's modern history. Hundreds of thousands of faithful from across Serbia and the wider region have flooded the Vračar neighborhood, united by a single purpose: to venerate the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos. This major Christian relic is scheduled to leave the country tomorrow, returning to its home on Mount Athos following a final liturgy.

Our news team spent the day on the ground, capturing the sheer scale of the event. While the queue is moving faster than in previous days, its end remains invisible from the entrance. The lines stretch from the doors of the Cathedral of Saint Sava all the way to the Autokomanda roundabout. Police have closed several surrounding streets and approaches to ensure the safety and orderly movement of the massive crowd.

Unreal Drone Footage and Tears of Faith

Conversations with people in the endless queue reveal a patience that transcends physical fatigue. Some believers revealed they have been waiting up to 15 hours. Many joined the line shortly after midnight. A specific calmness and prayerful silence permeated the crowd. Our on-site interviews captured deep emotional testimonies, with some believers moved to tears before our cameras.

"We came from Vladičin Han and have been waiting in line since noon. The situation has been completely calm, everything is fine, and there hasn't been a single incident. What do we hope for? Well, simply the best... Health and well-being for our families," said one believer waiting patiently.

We encountered people who had spent the entire night in front of the Cathedral. Stanislav from Lazarevac arrived on Vračar at 1:00 AM. "It doesn't bother me at all that I've been waiting this long, and the atmosphere in line has been great," he said with a smile. Ratomirka from Novi Pazar, who has been waiting since 5:00 AM, confirmed the significance of the moment: "Who knows when such an opportunity will come again in our lives. I think everyone should take advantage of this moment."

Humility in the Crowd: Chef Milan Janković Čorba

Among the thousands of citizens in the massive queues, a well-known face was spotted. Our reporters identified Milan Janković Čorba, a famous professional chef, musician, and prominent humanitarian from Kosovo and Metohija. He greeted us with remarkable humility and calmness.

"First, let me introduce myself, I am Milan Janković Čorba, coming from Gnjilane in Kosovo and Metohija. We have been here with the people for seven hours, sharing in this beautiful gesture. Above all, I am very happy to be here and to experience this," Čorba told us, slightly out of breath.

When asked what he hopes for and prays for before this great relic, Čorba gave an answer that resonated with everyone present: "Well, I hope for the salvation of the Serbian people, I hope for unity, I hope for love, and I hope that God will look upon the Serbian people and that we move forward with love. That is what I pray for and hope for."

Patriarch Porfirie to Lead Final Service

Originally, the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos was scheduled to stay in Serbia until May 29. However, due to unprecedented interest and the river of people, the deadline was extended twice. This great relic arrived in Belgrade from the Vatopedi Monastery after a full six centuries. It is a priceless gift that the Serbian ruler Prince Lazar once donated to this Mount Athos sanctuary.

Regarding this historic event, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije emphasized that more important than the numbers is the fact that the "people confirm their centuries-old loyalty to the Svetosavlje and the Svetolazarevski or Kosovo covenant, which are nothing other than the fulfillment of the New Testament in the lives of Orthodox Serbs."