Serbian and Macedonian Orthodox Primates Visit Niš, Celebrate Unity

OCP News Service – 14/10/2024

Belgrade-Serbia: His Holiness the Serbian Patriarch Porfirije and His Beatitude the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia Stefan paid a historic visit to the Eparchy of Niš on October 13th. The visit was marked by a solemn act of doxology at the Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.

The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Niš Arsenije, along with clergy, monks, and faithful people. Metropolitan Arsenije expressed his joy and honor at hosting the leaders of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Ohrid Archbishopric, emphasizing the deep historical ties between the two churches.

Archbishop Stefan expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome, highlighting the importance of unity among Orthodox Christians. He recalled his previous visit to Niš in 1983 and expressed his admiration for the city and its people.

On October 14th, the Feast of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patriarch Porfirije and Archbishop Stefan celebrated the Holy Liturgy at the Virgin’s Monastery in Đunis. This historic monastery is known for its miraculous spring, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl in 1898. Thousands of faithful from around the world gather at the monastery on this feast day to seek healing and blessings.

The visit of the Serbian and Macedonian Orthodox leaders to Niš is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen unity and cooperation between the two churches. It also highlights the importance of religious heritage and the role of the Orthodox Church in promoting peace and reconciliation.

Source:

OCP News Services