On the Feast of the Annunciation, April 7, 2025, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple in Belgrade.
In his homily, the Patriarch emphasized that the feast represents the “triumph of faith — faith as trust.”
“Today’s feast shows us that if it were not for the Most Holy Theotokos — a human being who had complete faith and trust in the providence and love of God — we would still be awaiting the Messiah, still anticipating the Savior,” said Patriarch Porfirije. “Thanks to her profound trust in God, in His love and providence, and the fact that she was able to say ‘yes’ on behalf of all humanity, responding positively to the divine call — we are saved.”
The Patriarch went on to explain that faith is much more than an intellectual concept. “Faith is infinitely broader than our intellectual understanding of the self — it encompasses our entire being: our mind, our heart, our body, our whole person.”
“Every aspect of our personality participates in the relationship and communion, first with God, and then with each other,” the Patriarch continued. “This is why we can rightfully say that faith — as trust — is also the most important value in our interpersonal relationships.”
The Annunciation, one of the most significant feasts of the Orthodox Church, commemorates the Archangel Gabriel’s message to the Virgin Mary that she would bear the Son of God. Patriarch Porfirije’s message emphasized the deep personal and communal relevance of this event, pointing to the transformative power of faith, not only in relation to God but in building human bonds grounded in trust.
The Liturgy was attended by clergy, monastics, and many faithful who joined in celebrating the joyous and profound message of the feast.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
