Belgrade, May 28, 2026
Photo: spc.rs
His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia went out repeatedly on the night of May 26–27 to walk among the vast crowds of faithful gathered outside the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade’s Vračar neighbourhood, where thousands have been waiting patiently for hours to venerate the Holy Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos.
The Patriarch moved along the lines of pilgrims, speaking with believers, blessing them, and offering words of support and encouragement as they waited through the night in prayer and silence, reports the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Pilgrims from Belgrade, across Serbia and from the wider region have been forming lines stretching in three directions from the church. The first and longest line, which began forming on Ascension Day, now winds through several streets in the Vračar municipality and extends for two miles. A second line and third line then formed overnight coming from different directions.
Photo: spc.rs
The Holy Belt—the only surviving relic from the earthly life of the Most Holy Theotokos—arrived in Belgrade on May 20, brought by Elder Ephraim, Abbot of Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos. It was carried in the Ascension Day procession in Belgrade, which turned out to be the largest Orthodox gathering in the city’s history. It is scheduled to remain in Belgrade until May 29.
Since its arrival, continuous columns of pilgrims have been flowing toward the church around the clock. During his night visits, Pat. Porfirije has spoken of the scenes as unprecedented, expressing optimism about what the turnout represents for the future of the Serbian people.
Alongside his role in bringing the relic, Elder Ephraim has also visited the Serbian monasteries of Lelić and Ćelije and other churches and monasteries during his time in Serbia.
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe and Gab!
