Patriarch of Serbia: True victory lies in faith, love and communion with Christ

Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Demetrios in New Belgrade on Sunday, November 8, 2026, marking the feast of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki, the church’s patron saint.

In his sermon, the Serbian Patriarch reflected on the life and example of Saint Demetrios, emphasizing that genuine Christian faith is expressed through love, humility, and communion with Christ.

“Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki was a nobleman and military commander at a time when Christians were being persecuted,” Patriarch Porfirije said.

He explained that although Demetrios served in an army responsible for persecuting Christians, his encounter with Christ transformed his understanding of life and its values.

“He understood who is the Alpha and the Omega, he understood what alone is necessary, he understood that Christ is everything, and that everything outside Christ is nothing,” the Patriarch stated.

Patriarch Porfirije emphasized that Saint Demetrios demonstrated that faith is not merely a matter of words but a way of life.

“Saint Demetrios showed that faith is not just a word, but that faith is life,” he said.

He stressed that…