On May 9, 2025, a solemn vigil and Saint Sava Academy event marked the commemoration of the Burning of the Relics of Saint Sava at the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade.
With the blessing of Patriarch Porfirije, the vigil was led by Bishop Tikhon of Moravica, joined by other bishops, clergy, and faithful. The celebration continued with a festive academy in the church crypt, organized by professors and students of the Saint Sava Seminary, the oldest theological school in Belgrade. The event featured a film, choral performances, and speeches highlighting the importance of theological education.
In his closing address, Patriarch Porfirije emphasized:
“Without the priesthood, there is no Church — without the priesthood in the sense of Christ’s ministry, and especially without the bishop, there is no Church. This means that without the Divine Liturgy, there is no Church. The Divine Liturgy is the manifestation, confirmation, and presence of the Kingdom of God among us, where we become one with Christ.
That is why the priestly ministry — and the preparation for it, i.e., theological education — is the greatest blessing and the greatest gift, but also a cross: a testimony of Christ’s victory and resurrection, the cross as the sign of those who belong to Christ. For this reason, for our Church, the formation of young people who are to become priests is the central and most important task.
This formation is not merely about gathering information and knowledge from various fields of life, but about being nurtured and educated in Gospel virtues. These virtues are the guiding principles and criteria of knowledge — mechanisms and tools through which acquired knowledge is directed, given meaning, and applied.”
Source: spc.sr
