Patriarch of Serbia: Let our Orthodox Church be the place of our unity

Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia focused on the theme of unity of the Serbian people, grounded in the Orthodox faith and life in Christ, in his address at the central ceremony for Serbian Unity, Freedom and National Flag Day, held on September 14, 2026, in Banja Luka.

The Patriarch of Serbia spoke about the historical and spiritual bonds of the Serbian people, emphasizing that their unity cannot rest solely on national, social, or other human characteristics, but has, as he stressed, a deeper foundation in the Orthodox faith, the Church, and the Gospel of Christ.

“This unity has one root, which is called the Orthodox faith, the Orthodox Church, the Gospel of Christ,” he said characteristically, making special reference to Saint Sava, the Holy Prince Lazar, and other prominent figures of the Serbian Orthodox tradition.

Patriarch Porfirije placed particular emphasis on the twofold commandment of love for God and neighbor, noting that unity with Christ cannot be separated from love, forgiveness, and acceptance of the other, even when that person is different.

At the same time, he noted that the Orthodox faith must not be confined to declarations and words, but must be expressed…