Serbian Patriarch Porfirije Affirms Church’s Commitment to Peace Amidst Global Challenges

SPC.rs – OCP News Service – 12/01/2024

Belgrade-Serbia: In an exclusive interview with “Politics,” His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije delivered a powerful message emphasizing the Serbian Orthodox Church’s unwavering commitment to building peace amidst contemporary global challenges. The interview covered various topics, including ongoing conflicts, the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, attacks on Serbian holy places, and the Church’s role in society. Here are some key highlights from the interview:

Message of Peace and Unity: Patriarch Porfirije stressed the urgent need for a message of peace and unity, emphasizing goodwill among diverse nations, religions, and political orientations. Despite facing accusations, condemnations, and attacks, the Church remains dedicated to promoting love, understanding, and the Gospel of peace in a troubled world.

Challenges in Ukraine and Kosovo: Regarding the conflicts in Ukraine and pressures faced by the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, the Patriarch expressed concern about discord within the Serbian community and criticized attacks on the Church by certain groups. He highlighted the Church’s role as a defender of Kosovo and Metohija, emphasizing the peace-making efforts often neglected by Western countries.

Protection of Serbian Holy Places: Patriarch Porfirije outlined the challenges faced by the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo, including attempts to seize holy places through false historical narratives and violent incursions. He highlighted the Church’s defense of its spiritual and historical identity, emphasizing the importance of living according to the Gospel.

Legal Challenges and Gender-Sensitive Language: The interview touched upon the Patriarch’s stance on legal challenges, including the rejection of gender-sensitive language. Patriarch Porfirio criticized proposed laws, deeming them unconstitutional and discriminatory. He called for the preservation of the Serbian language and expressed concern about the broader implications of such legislation.

Political Engagement and Attacks on the Church: Patriarch Porfirije addressed the Church’s refusal to engage actively in political struggles and criticized attacks from various media sources and social networks. He emphasized the Church’s eternal and unchanging nature, distinct from the relative and changing nature of political parties.

Threats to Serbian Orthodox Churches Abroad: The interview covered the threat posed by self-proclaimed Orthodox churches in Montenegro, Croatia, and Kosovo, attempting to establish themselves as state churches. Patriarch Porfirio labeled these movements as illegal and illegitimate, driven by intentions to harm the Serbian people and seize church property.

Relations with the Macedonian Orthodox Church: Patriarch Porfirije described relations with the Macedonian Orthodox Church as fraternal, emphasizing the deepened ties and cooperation between the two churches since the MPC’s autocephaly. He called for the cultivation of friendly relations and mutual respect.

Challenges in Orthodox Church Unity: Discussing the division between Moscow and Constantinople, the Patriarch acknowledged the theological, prayerful, and diplomatic efforts to overcome the split. He expressed concern about the consequences of conflicts affecting Orthodox Churches, urging prayers for unity and the resolution of conflicts.

Message for Orthodox Christmas: As the interview concluded, Patriarch Porfirije called on the Serbian people to preserve peace within and emphasized the Church’s continued commitment to building peace. He encouraged prayers for peace worldwide and expressed hope for recognizing the Church’s peacemaking efforts.

Source:

OCP News Services, SPC.rs