Patriarch Porfirije encourages children to explore Serbia’s spiritual and cultural heritage

Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia visited the Summer Spiritual School of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci on July 15, 2026, as the program welcomed its fourth and final group of participants at the Šuplja Stena children’s resort on Mount Avala.

The Serbian Patriarch was greeted by the children with the song Children of Heaven and spent time with the more than 200 young participants who are attending the camp in four separate sessions between June 23 and July 20. The campers, drawn from elementary schools throughout the Archdiocese, are spending part of their summer vacation in an environment centered on faith, fellowship, learning, and joy.

During the visit, Patriarch Porfirije met with the children, presented them with prayer books and icons, and listened as they shared details about their camp activities. The youngsters also had the opportunity to ask questions, to which the Patriarch responded with warmth and encouragement.

Offering fatherly advice on love for one’s neighbor, Patriarch Porfirije invited the children to visit the Patriarchal Court in Belgrade, the Museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the Court Church of St. Symeon the Myrrh-streaming. He also…