[proslaviy]

I would have believed it just as you did, George. I would have no reason to doubt or mock the film makers and their findings.

I believe in relics that are held in the West just as much as I do for those that still remained in the East.

When my husband was once in Bruges many years ago he had the blessed opportunity to venerate the Holy Blood. Just because it isn't in Orthodox hands, that doesn't mean it isn't real.

The relic of the Holy Blood was brought to Bruges by Thierry of Alsace in the 12th century after the Second Crusade. The blood is preserved on a cloth claimed to have washed the body of the dead Christ as related in one of the apocryphal gospels. Popular legend ascribes the origins of the relic to Jerusalem however it was more likely looted from Constantinople during the sack of the city in 1204 during the Fourth Crusade. The relic is encased inside a rock crystal phial decorated with gold coronets. The relic was extremely important to Bruges’ cultural and religious history. The Basilica of the Holy Blood, where the relic is kept, was a popular pilgrimage destination and pilgrims were granted indulgences by the Pope for visiting the relic. The relic is also the centerpiece of the Procession of the Holy Blood that occurs every year since 1303 on Ascension Day. The parade is one of the largest religious celebrations in Belgium and the arrival of the relic to the city and various Biblical narratives are reenacted throughout the festivities. Although the blood is normally congealed, the relic is said to liquefy once a year on this day.

http://sites.tufts.edu/bloodrelics/2...ood-at-bruges/