Patriarch Porfirije: Faith must be active and loving
Patriarch Porfirije. Photo: spc.rs
November 10, 2024, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia delivered a sermon during the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Sava in Vračar, Belgrade, explaining to the faithful that faith "must be active and loving, based on complete trust in Jesus Christ," reports the Serbian Church's website.
In his message, Patriarch Porfirije spoke about the essence of Christian love and faith. "Love as the essence of who we are and what the whole world is, affirms that we have a creative drive, a drive toward building, a tendency toward creativity and improvement of everything, especially ourselves and our relationships with others in love," emphasized Patriarch Porfirije.
He stated that love awakens in us a thirst for eternity, transcending the boundaries of time and space, and that eternal life in unity with those we truly love gives meaning to our existence.
Highlighting the significance of Christ, the Patriarch called Him "the source of meaning, the source of love," and reminded the faithful of the importance of a connection with Him: "Therefore, everything we have, both the world around us and the world within us, only gains the power of life, not merely as being and existence but as the power of life as the experience and reality of love and communion, if it is connected to life, the source of life, to Christ."
The Serbian primate stressed that the key element of this connection is faith, which is dead without works and must be expressed through love and complete trust in Christ: "Faith is dead without works; faith becomes love, faith that is a full commitment and trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior."
Previously, the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported that Patriarch Porfirije discussed the mistakes of the Ukrainian authorities regarding the UOC with the Ukrainian ambassador.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.