On the occasion of the Islamic holiday Eid al-Fitr, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia sent a message to all the Muslims wishing them joy, peace, love, and well-being.
Particularly the Archbishop of Serbia stressed the importance of building fraternal relations between Orthodox Christians and Muslims and highlighted his commitment to achieving that together with the Muslim spiritual leaders.
Read below the message of Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia:
I consider it a blessing of God that I have been given the opportunity to send my heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim brothers, who live throughout our homeland, on the occasion of one of the greatest Islamic holidays – Eid al-Fitr, with the desire to celebrate it in joy, peace, love, and well-being.
My joy is all the greater because I do the same thing that Saint Sava did in the thirteenth century when he visited and made friends with the Caliph of Great Babylon, ie Baghdad, and the Sultan of Great Egypt, ie Cairo. Thus, Saint Sava pointed out to future generations of Orthodox Christians that they should build peace, cooperation, and friendship with Muslims.
Building such relationships is especially important in the days and months of temptation due to the pandemic that took many lives, caused suffering and fear, not choosing whether someone is a Christian, a Muslim, or some other faith. But that is why philanthropic actions and mutual help in troubles are more important than mutual joy in times when there are no temptations.
Therefore, I will try, together with the spiritual leaders of Muslims, who are also my dear friends, to participate in building fraternal relations between Orthodox Christians and Muslims. In the name of such relations, I once again cordially congratulate all Muslims living in our homeland on the holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Kalovci and
Patriarch of Serbia
+ Porfirije
