Holy Belt of the Theotokos Draws Pilgrims to Belgrade
Thousands of pilgrims are flocking to Belgrade to venerate the Holy Belt of the Theotokos during a rare visit to Serbia.
BELGRADE — As reported by UOJ-Serbia, Serbia is hosting a rare visit of the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, brought from the Athonite Monastery of Vatopedi on May 20, 2026. The shrine's arrival was marked by a ceremonial welcome at Belgrade's airport, where clergy and faithful gathered for prayers before hearing remarks from Patr. Porfirije of Serbia, Archimandrite Ephraim of Vatopedi, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, in their addresses, the speakers reflected on the longstanding spiritual bonds between Serbia and Vatopedi Monastery. Patr. Porfirije pointed to the monastery's connection with St. Sava and St. Simeon, while Archimandrite Ephraim recalled the historic role of St. Prince Lazar in supporting Vatopedi and spoke about the many testimonies associated with the Holy Belt. President Vučić described the visit as a source of encouragement and hope for the nation.
For the first stage of its visit, the Holy Belt has been available for veneration at the Church of the Ascension, where clergy have pledged to keep the church open for as long as pilgrims continue to arrive. On May 21, the Feast of the Ascension, the Holy Belt will accompany the traditional Spasovdan Procession through the Serbian capital, with Patr. Porfirije accompanying the Belt beneath a ceremonial canopy.
After the procession, the Holy Belt will be transferred to the Church of St. Sava in Vračar, where it will remain until May 29. Pilgrims are expected to continue arriving throughout the week, and church authorities have indicated that access to the Belt will be available day and night. Reports from Serbia indicate especially strong interest from believers across the Balkans and Central Europe, with organized groups and individual pilgrims traveling from neighboring countries to take part in the veneration.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Vatopedi Monastery celebrated miraculous oil-flowing icon Panagia Elaiovrytissa.
