Patriarch of Serbia: No distance can separate us when we are united in Christ

Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of St. Sava in Elaine, Australia, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during his canonical visit to the Serbian Orthodox Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand.

The Patriarch concelebrated with several hierarchs and clergy, in the presence of numerous faithful who had traveled from different Australian cities. The service was accompanied by the Stevan Mokranjac Church Choir, conducted by Sava Đukić.

In his sermon, Patriarch Porfirije emphasized that the Church transcends geographical boundaries, uniting Orthodox Christians with their spiritual heritage and homeland, regardless of where they live.

“By gathering in the house of God, you are in your homeland, because through the Church, wherever we may be, the place of our birth and upbringing is always present,” he said.

Referring to the spiritual significance of the monastery, established in 1972, the Patriarch stressed that its connection with the historic monasteries of Serbia extends beyond symbolism. He particularly mentioned the presence of the relics of Elder Nikanor of Hilandar, recalling the spiritual bonds linking the Serbian Orthodox…