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Patriarch of Serbia: Orthodox faith is our identity card

July 5, 2026 · 1 min read

Thirty-four years after the events in the Middle Podrinje and Birač regions, Bratunac once again hosted a commemoration for the victims on July 4, 2026.

Thousands of faithful gathered at the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos for the annual remembrance event, held under the slogan, “One is not invited to Bratunac; one goes to Bratunac.”

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, who has repeatedly emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of those who suffered and of passing that remembrance on to future generations.

Concelebrating with the Patriarch were Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Dabar-Bosnia, Metropolitan Methodije of Budimlje-Nikšić, Metropolitan Dimitrije of Zahumlje-Herzegovina and the Littoral, Bishop Jerotej of Šabac, as well as clergy and monastics from several dioceses of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Patriarch Porfirije: The world will not accept us because we will not renounce Christ

In his homily, Patriarch Porfirije stressed that the Serbian people’s identity is inseparable from the Orthodox faith and the legacy of Saint Sava.

“We are Orthodox Serbs. We know our homeland, we know our birthplace, and we know who…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Юлія Шевченко

I remember how Patriarch Porfiry used to say that without Christ no one will accept us. Thousands gathered again in Bratunka - it is right that they do not forget. May the Lord give strength to preserve memory for children and grandchildren.

Катерина Ангеловска

Yes, it's nice that Patriarch Porphyry said again that without Christ no one will receive us. Thousands gather in Bratunac, and they are not "invited" - I like that, as a real commemoration. May God give peace to all who suffered there.

Светлана Киселёва

Patriarch Porfiry directly said: “The world will not accept us, because we will not renounce Christ.” This is exactly to the point. They don’t invite people to Bratunets - they go there, and thousands come every year, that’s right. Memory must be passed on to children, without this there is no way.

Марина Морозова

I agree, Svetlana, these words of the patriarch sunk right into my soul. Here in St. Petersburg we also try to tell children about Saint Sava, and not just about history at school. Which church do you usually go to for such commemorations?

Paweł Nowak

I agree with the words of the Patriarch that without Christ they will not accept us. In Białystok, we also go to our churches every year to make such memories, and we do not wait for an invitation. It's good that children about St. We tell stories at the table, not only during classes.

Наталья Макарова

Here in Yekaterinburg we also try to tell children about Saint Sava at dinner, and not just in class. These words of Patriarch Porfiry about “the world will not accept us because we will not renounce Christ” were accurately noted. They don’t invite you to Bratunts - they go there, and they do the right thing.

Богдан Гончар

Yes, Yulia, you remember his words well. They really don't invite people to Bratunka - they go there because their hearts are drawn. I wonder if you have already told your grandchildren about those events, or are you still waiting for the right moment?

Aleksandra Kaczmarek

I agree, Paweł, in Lublin we also try to talk about it to our children at dinner, especially when we make bread together for the liturgy. And in Białystok, which church do you go to most often to commemorate these memories?