Serbian Church calls on the people to end conflicts

Icon "Calming the Storm". Photo: Facebook of the Serbian Church

On March 14, 2025, the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church, led by Patriarch Porfirije, issued an official appeal to the Serbian people, calling for an end to all forms of division and the beginning of constructive dialogue between various social groups. The text of the document was published on the Serbian Church’s Facebook page.

In its message, published during Great Lent, the Synod expresses deep concern over reports of potential conflicts among the Serbian people and urgently calls on all participants in the current events to engage in self-examination and repentance.

"Have there not been enough divisions and strife among our people?" the Synod asks in its address, emphasizing that violence in any form must be completely rejected, regardless of its source.

The church hierarchs remind the faithful of the wisdom of their ancestors, noting that "evil cannot bring good" and "God does not ask for strength, but neither does He love force."

Patriarch Porfirije and the Synod members stress that freedom and justice are impossible without love and mutual respect. They call for the building of trust and understanding through well-intentioned dialogue in all areas of society – from families to political organizations.

In conclusion, the Church opens its doors to all responsible public figures, calling for fraternal dialogue and reminding everyone that no private interest is more important than the common good of the people and the state.

The appeal is signed by the President of the Holy Synod of Bishops, Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci, and Patriarch of Serbia, Porfirije, along with Synod members: Metropolitan Ignatije of Braničevo, Metropolitan Fotije of Zvornik-Tuzla, Metropolitan Teodosije of Raška-Prizren, and Bishop Gerasim of Gornji Karlovac.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Serbian Patriarch had called on believers for reconciliation and brotherly love.

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