Patriarch Porfirije: Let the desire to be with Christ be our lives' pillar

Patriarch Porfirije. Photo: Patriarch's Facebook page

On February 2, 2025, the Primate of the Serbian Church, Patriarch Porfirije, delivered a sermon at the Church of Saint John the Theologian at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology of the University of Belgrade, interpreting the Gospel account of Zacchaeus. He stressed that we are called to respond to God’s outstretched hand through repentance and the recognition of our own weaknesses.

"Something happened in Zacchaeus without which none of us can recognize in Jesus Christ the Living, Eternal, and Infinite Lord. This is a condition without which we cannot open our hearts, our souls, and our entire being to the presence of God’s grace, to the presence of the Savior Himself among us," said the Patriarch.

The Primate emphasized that the beginning of transformation and entering into communion with God starts with our desire to rise above ourselves:

"Just as Zacchaeus climbed the sycamore tree, we too must rise above our own stature, our age, and our height. By demonstrating our desire and determination to be with Christ, we receive by His grace everything necessary for salvation."

"This week, which serves as preparation for Great Lent, highlights the importance of our desire to be in communion with Christ. If we make this the starting point of our spiritual struggle and our lives, then at that very moment we will hear Christ’s words that He will dwell in our home today and that salvation has come to our house," concluded Patriarch Porfirije.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Serbian Primate reminded that "faith must be active and loving."

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