Serbian Patriarch Porfirije met on June 29, 2026, with professors and participants of the 15th class of the Advanced Security and Defense Studies program at the Saint Sava Memorial Center in Vračar, Belgrade.
The program is conducted by the National Defense School “Vojvoda Radomir Putnik,” which operates within the University of Defense. The participants included officials serving in institutions of the Republic of Serbia and Republika Srpska, members of the Serbian Armed Forces, representatives of the Ministry of Defense, and officials from various international institutions.
Welcoming the delegation, led by Colonels Zoran Jekić and Srđan Zgonjanin and Lieutenant Colonel Dejan Petrović, Patriarch Porfirije congratulated the participants on successfully completing their studies and emphasized the importance of their vocation in a time marked by numerous challenges, including security concerns.
The Patriarch stressed that spiritual security is even more important than external security, noting that it is rooted in faith and a strong sense of identity.
“If we are not spiritually secure, we cannot be certain that we will not lose everything else,” he said. “Had our people not adhered to this principle throughout the centuries, we would not exist today. Thanks to a firm spiritual identity, we have survived historical trials, oppression, and suffering and have endured to the present day.”
Referring to the recent observance of Vidovdan and the commemoration of Saint Prince Lazar, Patriarch Porfirije underlined the importance of choosing enduring spiritual values and the Kingdom of Heaven, saying that such a choice provides the strength necessary to preserve a people’s freedom and dignity.
During the meeting, the Patriarch also inquired about the work of the National Defense School, the curriculum of the Advanced Security and Defense Studies program, and the future professional engagement of its graduates.
Expressing gratitude for the Patriarch’s blessing and warm reception, Colonel Srđan Zgonjanin said it was a great honor for the participants to meet with the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church and hear his pastoral guidance. He also wished Patriarch Porfirije good health and asked for his continued prayers for the Serbian people.
The meeting was also attended by Archpriest Djordje Stojisavljević, Chief of Staff of the Serbian Patriarch.
