On the occasion of the celebration of Ascension Day, one of the greatest Christian relics—the Holy Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos—was brought to Belgrade from Mount Athos. The Serbian people and numerous Orthodox faithful came to venerate the relic and receive its blessing. Long lines formed every day, and the wait sometimes exceeded ten hours.
More than 1.1 million people venerated the Holy Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos in the Ascension Church and the Church of Saint Sava from Ascension Day until today.
The Holy Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos was solemnly escorted from the Church of Saint Sava on its return to the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos. With the highest ecclesiastical and state honors, the relic was bid farewell following prayers and the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia. The Patriarch stated that while the Holy Belt is returning to Vatopedi, the blessing of the Most Holy Theotokos remains with the Serbian people as a call to faith, love, peace, and unity.