Relics of Saint Anastasia move from Studenica after 826 years

The relics of Saint Anastasia of Serbia, the mother of Saint Sava and wife of Stefan Nemanja, have been moved from Studenica Monastery for the first time in 826 years. The procession began at Studenica and moved to Žiča Monastery, where the relics were received by Metropolitan Arsenije of Niš and other high-ranking clergy.

Following their arrival in Žiča, the relics were transported to Kraljevo, where a religious procession (litija) passed through the city streets to the Temple of Saint Sava. A multi-day program of religious services, lectures, and musical performances is scheduled in Kraljevo, including a divine liturgy and an exhibition at the National Museum.

The event commemorates the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the relics in the 1980s and the 30th anniversary of the construction of the reliquary in which they are kept. The procession is expected to continue toward Belgrade before the relics are eventually returned to Studenica Monastery.