On the feast of St. Stefan, patron saint of the Serbian Armed Forces, Bishop Dositej of Lipljan, Military Bishop, presided over the Divine Liturgy on August 1 at the Church of St. Mark in Belgrade, which has served as a military church since 2023.
Addressing members of the Serbian Armed Forces, including Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić and Chief of the General Staff Gen. Milan Mojsilović, Bishop Dositej said St. Stefan was chosen as the military’s patron because he united “deep faith and great courage, prayer and responsibility, the sword and the Gospel, love for God and love for the homeland.”
He also described St. Stefan as not only a warrior, but also a man of learning, a diplomat, benefactor, and poet, whose example continues to inspire those entrusted with safeguarding peace and serving their country.
Concluding his homily, Bishop Dositej prayed that, through the intercessions of St. Stefan, God would strengthen the Serbian Armed Forces, bless Serbia, and grant peace to the world.
Source: Serbian Orthodox Church
