On Sunday, November 17, 2024, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Divine Liturgy in the Russian Church of the Holy Trinity on Tašmajdan, metochion of the Russian Orthodox church in Belgrade.
The Holy Patriarch sanctified the icon painting of the Russian temple, a landmark in Belgrade for a century. He was joined by Metropolitan Antonije of Volokolamsk, Bishop Stefan of Remesian, and other prominent clergy from the Serbian and Russian Orthodox Churches.
The Divine Liturgy was attended by Dr. Nenad Popović, minister responsible for international cooperation and Church affairs, Dr. Vladimir Roganović, Director for Cooperation with Churches, and renowned Russian artist Nikolai Mukhin.
Patriarch Porfirije: The Victory of Life Over Death in Jairus’ Faith
Patriarch Porfirije delivered a profound sermon after reading the Holy Gospel, focusing on the parable of Jairus’ daughter as a powerful image of the triumph of life over death. He stated, “The only certainty in life is death, yet we live as if it will never come. Death is not natural to our being but something external and unnatural.” He highlighted humanity’s relentless pursuit to “unravel the secret of death,” demonstrating our innate creation for eternal life.
Reflecting on the Gospel, the Patriarch described Jairus’ faith in Christ, which led to his daughter’s resurrection. “The encounter between the dead daughter and Jairus’ faith in Christ is a picture of the victory of life over death,” he said, emphasizing that Christ’s Resurrection was for humanity, bringing life and hope.
He further explained that faith and human freedom must cooperate with divine grace, as “miracles are the result of Life meeting human effort.” Faith, he added, requires action, for “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
Patriarch Porfirije concluded with a call to embrace faith, love, and determination, urging believers to overcome spiritual and physical obstacles and unite with the divine Source of Life through grace and freedom.
Source: spc.sr
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