On August 10, 2024, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia greeted more than three hundred young and talented athletes from the “Serbia is Calling You” sports camp at the Saint Sava Temple in Vračar.
The Holy Patriarch welcomed the esteemed guests from Kosovo and Metohija, as well as from neighboring regions and beyond, expressing his blessings upon them and their families. He highlighted the significance of the Temple of Saint Sava as a sacred place for the Serbian people and emphasized the importance of Saint Sava in guiding the nation towards truth, love, justice, and freedom.
Patriarch Porfirije encouraged the young athletes to integrate prayer into every aspect of their lives, including their sports activities, as a form of worship to God. He stressed the importance of spiritual well-being and the role of prayer in achieving true spiritual health.
The Patriarch also spoke about the importance of preserving faith while adapting to new environments and cultures, emphasizing the need to show respect and pride in one’s identity. He urged the athletes to remember their roots and continue to trust in God while striving to excel in all areas of life.
The “Serbia is Calling You” campaign, organized by Sportstars with support from various entities, brought together 320 young athletes for intensive training under the guidance of top athletes. The initiative aimed to unite young talents from Kosovo and Metohija, the region, and the diaspora in a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.