Serbian Patriarch Porfirje presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Sava in Vračar, joined by diocesan bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church and a large congregation, marking the commencement of this year’s Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church . Following the Liturgy, he delivered an sermon, emphasizing that “there is no defeat in Christ” and highlighting the significance of His Resurrection as a testament to His love for humanity and the Church.
However, the anticipated session of the Holy Council of Bishops, scheduled to convene at the Church of the Holy Apostles in the Stavropygic Lavra of the Peć Patriarchate, faced an unexpected obstacle. Serbian Patriarch Porfirje and the attending bishops were barred from entering Kosovo and Metohija on Monday, May 13, 2024, halted at the administrative crossing of Merdare by officials from the provisional authorities in Pristina without explanation.
Undeterred, the essential proceedings of the highest ecclesiastical body of the Serbian Orthodox Church, chaired by Patriarch Porfirje and featuring diocesan bishops, will proceed on May 15, 2024, in the Crypt of St. Sava Church in Vračar. The session’s agenda, comprising topics submitted by the Holy Synod of Bishops, will include the review of reports on the pastoral activities of diocesan bishops, central church bodies, organs, and institutes. A press release detailing the outcomes of the session will be issued thereafter.
Source: slovoljubve.com