Serbian cleric explains why Christianity rises above national divisions

Fr. Blagoje Katić blesses Slava offerings at the “Petrovaradin Gathering.” Photo: Association’s Facebook page

On May 24, 2025, a Divine Liturgy dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius, Enlighteners of the Slavs, was held in the Serbian town of Petrovaradin, as reported by the UOJ Serbia.

The rector of the Church of the Holy Apostle Paul, Archpriest Blagoje Katić, emphasized that the true legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius lies in affirming a shared spiritual identity. In this identity, national distinctions become secondary because what matters first is that “we are all Christians.”

The priest noted that in the multinational community of Petrovaradin, spiritual bonds are stronger than ethnic ones. In his view, faith must be the foundation of unity – not a source of division. He described Christians as a distinct spiritual nation, united by belief in God.

Fr. Blagoje Katić stated: “What Saints Cyril and Methodius brought us above all is that we are all Christians. And then, if necessary, due to some kind of identity, we may divide into Czechs, Serbs, or others. But what matters most is that we are all Christians and believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – the Holy Trinity. This is what unites us all.”

The priest expressed confidence that if Christians of all confessions put Christ’s love first, there would be far fewer conflicts in the world.

Earlier, the UOJ reported on why the Serbian Patriarch granted autocephaly to the Macedonian Church.

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