June 5th/6th, 2026
A person's true measure in life
often lies in how much injustice and untruth they can carry. A recent event,
during which I spent eleven hours overnight waiting in line [04.06/05.06.2026] to venerate the
Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, brought me a great spiritual trial, but also
deep reflection upon human nature.
In that line, where we all should
have been gathered in peace, prayer, and humility, I experienced a series of
incomprehensible provocations, shoving, and unpleasant comments from SEVERAL unknown
individuals. Instead of the inner peace I sought, I found myself battling
forced, intrusive thoughts and provocations that were clearly deliberate—the
product of either profound misunderstanding or orchestrated lies circulating
about me.
The only thing I cannot
comprehend is what such people are seeking at a holy site. Were I in their
place, I would tremble for my own fate and that of my loved ones if I caused
malice to another out of nowhere, especially before the face of a shrine that
expects something entirely different from us. In that crowd, I hold only those
who acted in bad faith, with the goal of shaking my peace, responsible for such
unworthy behavior. There a person could have truly felt who was who. Yet, there
were moments of grace too, like the comforting presence of a girl from Zvezdara
(or Borča), which was entirely pleasant.
I accepted all this suffering as
my trial and a sacrifice I had to bear. I tried with all my might to control
myself, to avoid falling for the provocations, and to preserve my dignity. It
hurts when people condemn and attack you for no reason at all, but I believe
that everyone ultimately carries their own cross and answers for their deeds.
I thank God and the Most Holy
Theotokos for giving me the strength to remain calm, as well as to write this
text now, which conveys my experience and thoughts in a dignified, Christian,
and mature manner, without unnecessary bitterness and the vividness of bizarre
details, so that my friends can understand what I went through.