On February 8, 2026, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Sava on Vračar, where he delivered a powerful message on humility and repentance.
Reflecting on the Gospel parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32), which he described as one of the finest and most beautiful literary works in human literature, the Patriarch emphasized that repentance is the path of spiritual growth and return to one’s true source and roots. He called on the faithful to live in humility and repentance, while at the same time struggling against pride and arrogance within themselves.
Interpreting the meaning and message of the parable, Patriarch Porfirije noted that it presents three figures: the father and his two sons. The elder son represents obedience and fidelity to the father’s will, living in accordance with what is asked of him. The younger son, by contrast, rebels against his father, seeks independence, and chooses to leave his father’s home to live on his own terms.
The Patriarch observed that both ways of life are familiar to everyone and that people often recognize themselves in both sons at different moments. At times, one is obedient and faithful; at other times, one insists on following one’s own will. Interpreted spiritually, the father represents God, while the two sons reflect the two contrasting attitudes that people often adopt in their relationship with God—at times faithful and obedient, and at other times rebellious and distant.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Porfirije visited and offered his blessing to representatives of the Red Cross and the Institute for Blood Transfusion, as well as to participants in a voluntary blood donation drive that took place in the Parish Hall of the Church of Saint Sava on Vračar.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
