Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy today at the Russian Holy Trinity Church in Tašmajdan, of the Moscow Patriarchate in Belgrade. On this occasion, the Patriarch consecrated the newly completed frescoes, marking a significant milestone in the church’s history.
Built between 1924 and 1925, the Holy Trinity Church stands as a vital spiritual and cultural landmark for the Russian emigration following the October Revolution and civil war in Russia. It has long been a beacon of Russian Orthodox faith and culture in Serbia, reflecting the deep ties between the Serbian and Russian peoples.
In his homily, Patriarch Porfirije reflected on the mysteries of life and faith, emphasizing the collaboration between divine grace and human freedom. “Every miracle, including the mystery of life as the greatest miracle, is a reality born of the cooperation between the Life-Giver and human freedom. This collaboration involves our Savior, who has already done everything for us, and our own commitment and effort to live according to His word and the Gospel,” he said.
Expressing joy and gratitude to God for the brotherly love uniting the Serbian and Russian Churches, Patriarch Porfirije congratulated the Russian faithful on the centenary of the Holy Trinity Church. “I wish to congratulate our Russian brothers for having this sacred place, where for a hundred years Russians who came to Serbia have gathered and prayed to God to this very day,” he stated.
The Patriarch extended fraternal greetings to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, expressing love, prayers, and a plea for continued intercessions. “May the Lord protect the Russian Church and the Russian people for many years!” he concluded.
