Patr. Porfijire Bids Emotional Farewell to Belt of the Theotokos
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims venerated the Belt of the Theotokos before an emotional farewell led by Patr. Porfijire in Belgrade.
BELGRADE — As reported by UOJ-Serbia, Patr. Porfijire delivered an emotional farewell to the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos on June 6 as the revered relic concluded its historic visit to Serbia and began its journey back to Mt. Athos.
Following a prayer service in honor of the Mother of God, Patr. Porfijire and Archimandrite Ephraim addressed thousands of faithful, clergy, monastics, and public officials gathered for the ceremony. Visibly and deeply moved by the blessings of the Theotokos, the Patriarch reminded worshippers that although the relic was departing, the blessing, protection, and love of the Mother of God would remain with the Serbian people. He urged believers to carry forward the spiritual renewal inspired by the holy relic's visit and thanked the Vatopedi brotherhood for bringing the Theotokos' precious Belt to Serbia.
The visit drew extraordinary crowds. According to reports shared on social media and by church sources, more than 500,000 people venerated the relic at Belgrade's St. Sava Church after its arrival on May 20. Thousands reportedly waited in lines stretching for kilometers, with some pilgrims standing for as long as nine hours to receive a blessing. The relic's presence in Serbia marked its first visit to the country in more than six centuries.
Addressing the gathering, Archimandrite Ephraim said the devotion shown by the Serbian people demonstrated the enduring strength of Orthodoxy in the country. He emphasized that nations are preserved through spiritual foundations rather than political or military power and called on the faithful to remain committed to the commandments of Christ.
The farewell concluded with Patr. Porfijire lifting the relic and blessing the crowd one final time before escorting it through rows of bishops, clergy, and an honor guard toward a ceremonial motorcade bound for Nikola Tesla Airport.
Previously, the UOJ reported that OCA Abp. Michael concelebrated with Patr. Porfirije before the Belt of the Theotokos.
