Patriarch of Serbia: May the Cross of Christ be a symbol of love, never revenge

Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia called for love, unity and reconciliation as he presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade on Sunday, September 27, 2026, marking the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Addressing the faithful, the Serbian Patriarch emphasized that the Cross of Christ should inspire believers to overcome division and cultivate love rather than seek revenge.

“May God grant that the Cross of Christ, which is the sign and power of the Lord, become the sign and power of love in our lives, never a force of revenge, but the power of God’s love and our response to that love,” he said.

He stressed that the Cross represents sacrifice and self-giving, calling on Christians to embrace it as a symbol of spiritual victory.

“May the Cross of the Lord be the power and sign of victory: the victory of goodness, virtue, love, communion with God, and unity and communion among us,” Patriarch Porfirije added.

Concelebrating with the Patriarch were Vicar Bishops Ilarion of Novo Brdo and Tihon of Moravica, together with numerous clergy.

Following the Gospel reading, Bishop Ilarion delivered a sermon highlighting the transformation of the…