Serbian Patriarch calls for interfaith dialogue
Patriarch Porfirije. Photo: romfea.gr
On 12 November 2024, the "Dialogue for Peace: Tolerance and Civilization" event took place in the Ceremonial Hall of the Serbia Palace in Belgrade. This event, held for the fifth time, was attended by delegates from Serbia and Indonesia. The session was led by Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, reports orthodoxianewsagency.
The participants noted the ongoing nature of interfaith meetings that Indonesia has been conducting with many countries around the world. Bilateral interfaith meetings between Serbia and Indonesia began in 2011, and in 2015, Indonesia supported Serbia in Paris by voting against Kosovo's admission to UNESCO.
Patriarch Porfirije emphasized the significance of these meetings: "Interreligious dialogue is often misunderstood, and that is why it is extremely important to forge a path where we meet people who profess faith in God in a different way, with people who enrich our knowledge of the world we share with them. This path – or rather the crossing of paths – is the basic condition of every conversation, and much more of interreligious dialogue, which results in understanding and acceptance of the other."
Additionally, Patriarch Porfirije stated that interfaith dialogue is often undervalued in secular society.
"The aim of interreligious dialogue is to learn something new, to overcome doubts and misunderstandings and to exist in understanding. Through the dialogue, we observe the differences but also the similarities of the believers. Through dialogue we understand our differences and rejoice in our similarities," said the Serbian Patriarch.
The participants highlighted the importance of goodwill and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education and culture.
In conclusion, Patriarch Porfirije noted that interfaith dialogue is a place of reciprocity, appreciation, respect for others, and a place where others show appreciation and respect for us.
As earlier reported by the UOJ, Patriarch Porfirije discussed with the Ukrainian ambassador the mistakes made by the government regarding the UOC.
Read also
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.