Patriarch Porfirije and Patriarch Kirill Meet with President Putin at the Kremlin

DECR , spc.rs & OCP News Service – 23/04/2025

Kremlin, Moscow- Russia: His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, together with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, met with His Excellency President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation at the Kremlin. The meeting took place on April 22, 2025.

President Putin warmly welcomed the Patriarchs and extended his Easter greetings. In a symbolic gesture, His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije presented him with a traditional Easter egg. His Excellency emphasized the special and enduring nature of Russian-Serbian relations, rooted in strong spiritual and cultural bonds. He praised the Serbian Orthodox Church for its vital role in fostering the warm, close, and trustworthy alliance between the two nations. President Putin also welcomed Serbia’s participation in the upcoming 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism, to be held in Moscow on May 9.

His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije expressed gratitude to President Putin for his steadfast support of Christian values and highlighted the deep spiritual kinship between the Serbian and Russian peoples. Citing the words of his predecessor, Patriarch Irinej, he likened the Serbian Church to a small boat safely tied to the great Russian ship in turbulent seas. He also thanked Russia for its continued support on matters related to Kosovo and Metohija, the Republic of Srpska, and the protection of religious rights in Montenegro.

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill affirmed the deep brotherhood between the Russian and Serbian peoples and Churches, calling them the closest of allies in terms of faith, culture, and shared historical experience. He commended Serbia’s unwavering friendship with Russia, even during challenging geopolitical times when other Slavic nations distanced themselves under external pressure. Patriarch Kirill also voiced concern over the moral decline in the modern West and emphasized the importance of defending traditional Christian values. He expressed appreciation for the Serbian Church’s consistent support in pan-Orthodox matters.

All parties shared hope that Europe and the broader Western world would return to Christian principles and moral foundations. They cited the late Pope Francis as a worthy example of someone who championed these values. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthening the historic bonds between the Russian and Serbian Orthodox Churches and promoting continued cooperation between their nations.

Also in attendance were Metropolitan Irinej of Bačka, Archbishop of Novi Sad from the Serbian Orthodox Church, and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Source:

OCP News Service