Serbian Patriarch: May God grant peace to the whole world

Patriarch Porfirije. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

On January 7, 2025, the Serbian Church celebrates the Nativity of Christ. In his message, signed by the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops, His Beatitude Patriarch Porfirije speaks about the urgent need to end wars that plague the world, reports Orthodoxia News Agency.

Patriarch Porfirije urged believers not to forget those who cannot celebrate holidays such as Christmas and Theophany peacefully with their families due to war. He proclaimed:

"At the same time, we who celebrate in peace must not forget those who suffer, grieve, and spend these joyful days exiled from their homes, thus reliving the fate of the Christ Child, who, from His early childhood, was sent away with the Virgin Mary and the righteous Joseph, forced to flee to Egypt to escape the tyrant Herod."

The Patriarch emphasized that Herod has never disappeared from human history, as his imitators have always existed. He stated:

"We see how in many parts of the world, mothers and fathers, carrying their children in their arms, flee from modern-day Herods, experiencing the fate of the children of Bethlehem from the time of Christ’s Nativity to the 21st century. In the very land where Christ was born, 'wailing and loud lamentation' can still be heard (Matt. 2:18).”

The Serbian Patriarch highlighted that in Syria and Lebanon, the number of victims of violence continues to rise, and tragically, the number of children killed far exceeds those who perished at Herod’s command.

Addressing the faithful, Patriarch Porfirije also spoke about the war in Ukraine:

"We witness the terrible conflict between brothers of the same blood and the same faith in Ukraine and Russia, which, to the great sorrow of us all, has now entered its fourth year."

The Patriarch also addressed the Serbian people of Kosovo and Metohija, who continue to suffer from the consequences of past conflicts. He made special mention of Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, in light of the 850th anniversary of his birth:

"Because he was transfigured and enlightened by God as a holy servant of the Lord, he became a model and an example for all, even for his own father. In the light of his example, we are called to listen to the youth attentively, to respect them, protect them, and expand their opportunities in all things good and virtuous."

The Patriarch emphasized that the Church does not judge, divide, or distinguish between brothers but reminds everyone that we need each other and calls all to peace and unity in love:

"Let us not forget that many catastrophes, conflicts, and wars begin with alienation from one’s neighbor. That is why it is vital that we, no matter who we are, stop using language that first labels others as strangers, then as opponents, then as enemies, and finally as something less than human. Let us renounce aggression and violence as means of resolving problems and disputes! In the joy of Christmas – the only true message under the sun, when God reconciled with mankind forever – let us embrace Christ and one another."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Porfirije spoke about the reasons of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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