“Saint Sava was a peacemaker — and this is the most important thing — within his own people and nation. He demonstrated that peace is the foundation of spiritual maturity, progress, and prosperity,” emphasized Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia during the Divine Liturgy, which he presided over on January 27, 2026, the Feast of Saint Sava. The Liturgy took place in the historic temple dedicated to the Serbian people in Vračar.
At the beginning of his sermon, following the reading of the Gospel passage, the Patriarch recalled the recent celebrations of the Nativity of the Lord, His Baptism, and the Feast of Theophany, noting that through these festive spiritual experiences, we understand that we are never alone because God is always with us.
“No matter how weak we are, no matter the mistakes and failures in our lives, even when we feel completely alone and abandoned by others, know that the Lord is always with us. All that is required is that we place our trust in Him and His love, that we long for Him, and that our desire to be with Him — just as He is with us — never be extinguished within us. He is One and yet Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — that is, communion and love. It is precisely this foundation of life and identity that Saint Sava, the first Archbishop of the Serbs, established and secured for our people.”
Referring to Saint Sava, the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church stressed that although he was born into royal lineage and destined for rulership, he discerned the depth of Christ’s words: “If you want to be perfect, take up your cross and follow Me.” Saint Sava did not merely hear these words; he received them in his heart and soul. They sprouted and bore fruit so abundantly that we continue to be nourished by them to this day. They became our enduring spiritual compass. He took up his cross, followed Christ, renounced the world, and became a monk. Together with the Apostle Paul, he could say: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
The Patriarch emphasized that Saint Sava’s retreat to Mount Athos was not a sign of distancing himself from his people, but rather a period of spiritual preparation for his return and ministry to them. “With the spirit of Mount Athos — the spirit of prayer, fasting, repentance, and humility — he returned to show his people that faith in Christ is the meaning, beginning, and end of life.” He taught us that we are created to live in peace and that there is no peace without loving God and obeying Christ’s commandments. By acquiring the peace of Christ and communion with Him, which reveals the mystery of God, humanity, and the world, he shows us where we come from, who we are, and where we must go.
In closing, the Patriarch addressed a message to all Orthodox Serbs throughout the world: “Today, gathered here as are our brothers and sisters across the globe, we celebrate above all the Divine Liturgy and place prayer at the foundation of our lives. In doing so, we honor Saint Sava and glorify Christ, our Lord and God. We pray that he may be our protector and intercessor before God and a model for us to imitate so that we may heed his word and walk the paths that lead to eternal life — a life that is accessible to us even now.”
Concelebrating at the Divine Liturgy were hierarchs and clergy from the Serbian, Polish, and Macedonian Orthodox Churches, as well as numerous bishops, archimandrites, archpriests, priests, and deacons.
