With the blessing of Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, a spiritual event was held on 14 November 2025 in the crypt of the Church of Saint Sava in Vračar, on the occasion of the feast of the Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian, protectors of doctors, pharmacists, and all medical personnel.
The academy, organized by the Missionary Office of the Church of Saint Sava, was attended by Patriarch Porfirije, Bishop Tikhon of Moravica (Vicar Bishop), numerous clergy, as well as a great number of doctors, pharmacists, healthcare workers, students, and faithful.
Following the opening hymn performed by the Choir of the Church of Saint Sava under the artistic direction of Dr. Katarina Stanković, moderator Biljana Obradović welcomed everyone who had gathered to jointly honor Saints Cosmas and Damian and to give thanks to God for all who serve humanity in the field of medicine today.
Patriarch Porfirije then delivered an archpastoral address, reminding the audience that true medicine is unthinkable without sacrificial love for one’s neighbor, and that Christ is the most perfect Healer of soul and body, to whom both doctors and every person entrust themselves in moments of weakness.
The Patriarch encouraged doctors and medical staff to preserve faith, hope, and compassion even in the most difficult moments of caring for the sick, bearing witness to the light of the Risen Christ.
The program continued with the chanters of the Church of Saint Sava singing the troparion and kontakion of Saints Cosmas and Damian. This was followed by a lecture by Prof. Dr. Radisav Šćepanović, who spoke about the relationship between the Church and medicine from the earliest times, emphasizing that the Church sees in the physician a co-worker in the work of God, who through knowledge, effort, and compassion participates in the mystery of healing.
In an atmosphere of prayer and gratitude, the faithful once again expressed their respect and love for the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian, as well as their appreciation for all modern-day physicians and healthcare workers who, following the example of the Saints, understand their profession as service to God and humanity.
At the conclusion of the academy, a reception was held in the Parish Hall of the Church of Saint Sava, where doctors, healthcare workers, clergy, and faithful remained in fraternal conversation and fellowship.
Source: spc.rs
