Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia arrived at the Monastery of Visoki Dečani on July 6, 2026, accompanied by Pastor Dr. Mark Burns, spiritual adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.
At the entrance to the historic Serbian Orthodox monastery, the Patriarch and the American guest were welcomed by Metropolitan Theodosije of Raška and Prizren, together with Archimandrite Sava and the brotherhood of the monastery.
Following the official reception, Patriarch Porfirije and Pastor Burns venerated the relics of Saint King Stefan Dečanski, the monastery’s founder and one of the most revered saints of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Archimandrite Sava then introduced the visitors to the rich history of the monastery, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is regarded as one of the most important monuments of medieval Serbian spirituality and culture.
Accompanying Patriarch Porfirije during the visit were Bishop Ilarion of Novo Brdo, his vicar bishop, and Archimandrite Danilo, Director of the Patriarchal Administrative Office.
The visit forms part of Patriarch Porfirije’s stay in Kosovo and Metohija and highlights the enduring spiritual and cultural significance of Visoki Dečani, one of the most treasured monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
