Patriarch Porfirije Welcomes Coptic Orthodox Church Delegation

OCP News Service – 14/09/2024

Belgrade-Serbia: On September 10,2024, His Holiness the Serbian Patriarch Porfirije received a delegation from the Coptic Orthodox Church of the United States of America at the Patriarchal Palace in Belgrade.

The delegation, led by Metropolitan Serapion of Southern California and Hawaii, included Bishop Abraham and Bishops Cyril. Patriarch Porfirije warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his joy at meeting these Christian brothers from the blessed land of Egypt.

Metropolitan Serapion thanked the Patriarch for their hospitality and noted that this was the first visit of a Coptic Orthodox Church delegation to this part of the world. Earlier that day, the delegation had visited the Temple of Saint Sava, the Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, and the Museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church. During the meeting, they shared their impressions of the vibrant Serbian Church and its shared suffering with the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Patriarch Porfirije expressed gratitude for the delegation’s visit and highlighted the similarities in the sufferings endured by Coptic Orthodox Christians and Orthodox Serbs. He emphasized the importance of carrying the cross and understanding the message of Christ. The Patriarch also acknowledged the significant role of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the Western world, where they promote ancient spirituality rooted in Egypt.

At the end of the meeting, special gifts were exchanged. Archpriest Đorđe Stojisavljević, head of the Cabinet of the Serbian Patriarch, attended the reception.

Source:

OCP News Services