Despite heavy snowfall, a large number of faithful gathered on January 4, 2025, at the Church of Saint Jovan Vladimir in Medaković, Belgrade, on the Sunday of the Forefathers. Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Divine Liturgy and ordained Deacon Milojko Topalović to the priesthood.
In his homily, the Patriarch spoke of the unity between heaven and earth, noting that just as the falling snow “connects heaven and earth,” so God has eternally willed that “what is in heaven may also be on earth,” which is the will of God.
Referring to the Gospel genealogy of Christ, he emphasized that Jesus Christ “did not come in appearance only,” but truly entered human history, being born of the Most Holy Theotokos and conceived by the Holy Spirit, a mystery that can be grasped only through faith.
Highlighting the core message of the Gospel, Patriarch Porfirije stressed that “God is with us and always on our side,” even though people often freely choose to stand against Him. When this happens, he noted, division, hostility, and exclusion arise among people. Yet, he underlined that God never abandons humanity, calling on the faithful to recognize their fallen state and return to Him, so that by returning to God, they may also return to one another.
“We cannot be one with each other if we are not one with God,” the Patriarch said, adding that true communion among people is impossible unless the human heart first embraces Christ. He reminded the faithful that “the Kingdom of God is within us” and that recognizing and accepting Christ ultimately depends on each person’s free choice.
Concelebrating with the Patriarch were several bishops, clergy, and deacons of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
At the conclusion of the service, many children gathered joyfully around Patriarch Porfirije, who addressed them and the newly ordained priest.
Source: spc.rs
