On March 2, 2025, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije officiated the Divine Liturgy on Forgiveness Sunday at the Church of Saint Sava in Vračar. During the service, he ordained Deacon Nemanja Kalem to the rank of priest.
In his sermon, Patriarch Porfirije reflected on the essence of fasting, drawing inspiration from the words of the Apostle Paul. He emphasized that those who abstain from certain foods should not judge others who do not follow the same practice.
He warned against the self-righteous attitude exemplified by the Pharisees, who strictly observed religious laws but sought public recognition and divine rewards for their piety. Instead, he urged believers to approach fasting as a spiritual exercise, not as an end in itself but as a way to express love for God and others.
Patriarch Porfirije stressed that fasting should be undertaken with humility and sincerity, viewing it as a personal need and a response to God’s love, rather than as a means of self-glorification.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Patriarch delivered a heartfelt message to the congregation, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness, especially as the faithful prepared to enter the Great Lent: “May our prayers and Holy Communion be for the health and salvation of all, dear brothers and sisters. Today is Forgiveness Sunday, and tomorrow marks the beginning of Great Lent, the sacred forty-day fast. May it be blessed by God and bring spiritual renewal and transformation, leading us to the joy of the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.”
He reiterated the necessity of mutual forgiveness, highlighting that the Gospel message urges believers to forgive one another so that they, in turn, may receive God’s forgiveness. He acknowledged human shortcomings and humbly asked for forgiveness from the congregation, bishops, clergy, and all members of the Church, affirming that true unity in Christ is achieved through love and reconciliation.
“Let us forgive one another. I ask you to forgive me for any words or deeds that may have hurt or troubled anyone. May God forgive all of us, and may we all be united as one in Christ,” he implored.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
