On the Third Sunday after Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women (May 4, 2025), Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Divine Hierarchical Liturgy at the Church of Saint Sava in Vračar.
Just before the service began, Patriarch Porfirije welcomed Tawadros II, Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, at the entrance of the Saint Sava Cathedral. The Coptic Patriarch, accompanied by his official delegation, attended the Divine Liturgy.
In his homily, Patriarch Porfirije reflected on the Gospel passage concerning the Myrrh-bearing Women, highlighting their courage and unwavering faith:
“The Myrrh-bearing Women, who stood at the foot of the Cross during Christ’s crucifixion, were granted the honor of being the first witnesses of the empty tomb and the Resurrection. Because of their courage, their faith, and their trust in Christ, these women—who in those times were considered of lesser status—were chosen by the Lord to witness the truth for which humanity thirsts: that each human is created in the image and likeness of God and made for eternity.”
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Patriarch Porfirije greeted his esteemed guest, Patriarch Tawadros II, with heartfelt words of welcome, recalling the deep historical and spiritual ties between the Serbian and Coptic peoples, dating back to the time of Saint Sava.
Following the Liturgy, a reception was held in the Parish Hall of Saint Sava Cathedral, during which a brief meeting between the delegations took place.
Serving alongside Patriarch Porfirije were Bishop Alexije of Hvostan, Bishop Petar of Toplica, Bishop Tikhon of Moravica, and Archimandrites Nektarije (Secretary of the Holy Synod), Danilo (Director of the Patriarchal Office), and other senior clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Source: spc.sr
