On the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, August 28, 2026, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Divine Liturgy at Rakovica Monastery.
Following the reading of the Holy Gospel, the Patriarch delivered a homily, emphasizing the Most Holy Theotokos’ complete trust in the will of God.
“The Most Holy Theotokos is a sign along our path, showing us where we should go. When she was confronted with a mystery beyond human understanding—with something that cannot be explained by reason or comprehended by the human mind, but which can be embraced by a heart filled with perfect faith—she said ‘yes’ to God and accepted what is impossible for human beings,” the Patriarch said.
“When she was told that through her the Son of God would become man, she uttered those momentous words—momentous for the entire human race, for those who had lived before her, for those of her own time, and for all who would come after her until the end of the world: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word (Lk 1:38).”
Patriarch Porfirije stressed that these words bring freedom, healing, and salvation.
“Dear spiritual children, these are words that set us free, words that move mountains, work miracles, heal and make us whole. They are words of salvation that reveal the true nature of the human person and the proper relationship with the word and will of God. These are also the words with which our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to pray: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
“The entire mystery, therefore, brothers and sisters, lies in whether we will heed the word of God and the word of His Mother, the Most Holy Theotokos, and say once and for all: ‘Thy will be done. Behold the handmaid of the Lord; behold the servant of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’”
Referring to the intercessions of the Virgin Mary, the Patriarch added: “This, brothers and sisters, is who the Most Holy Theotokos is. That is why we rejoice today as we celebrate her: because the Lord bestowed her upon the human race, established her as our example and model, and granted us the assurance that whenever we pray to her sincerely, humbly, and with trust, she will understand us, receive us, and remain by our side.
“She will pray with us and on our behalf to her Son and our God, and her prayers will have far greater power than the prayers of the entire world.”
Concelebrating with Patriarch Porfirije were Vicar Bishops Aleksej of Hvosno and Dositej of Lipljan; Archpriest-Stavrophore Branko Mitrović; Archpriests Goran Mišanović and Milan Simić; Protopresbyter Aleksandar Milutinović; Protodeacons Dragan Radić and Radomir Vrućinić; and Deacons Vasilije Perić and Miloš Mladenović.
Source: Serbian Orthodox Church
