The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church officially opened on May 13, 2026, with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Memorial Temple of Saint Sava in Vračar, presided over by Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, with the concelebration and prayerful participation of the hierarchs of the Church.
Following the Gospel reading, Metropolitan Hilarion of Timok addressed the assembled bishops and faithful, speaking about mutual love, spiritual responsibility, and steadfastness in the face of contemporary challenges.
“We are all in need of one another. That is precisely what the entire Gospel continually teaches us,” Metropolitan Hilarion said, emphasizing the importance of prayer, unity, and the grace of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
Reflecting on Christ’s words from the Gospel, the Metropolitan stressed that believers must remain faithful even amid suffering, rejection, and trials.
“If we are in the Church, we have already voluntarily accepted suffering on the Cross,” he stated. “We have accepted being rejected, mocked, and slandered, not for any other reason, but because we are disciples of Christ.”
He also warned against false teachings and spiritual blindness, recalling Christ’s words about the Good Shepherd whose sheep recognize His voice and do not follow false shepherds.
The working session of the highest hierarchical, legislative, and judicial body of the Serbian Orthodox Church will begin on May 14, under the presidency of Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, in the crypt of the Saint Sava Memorial Temple.
According to the official procedure, the Assembly will first adopt its agenda before reviewing reports on the pastoral work of diocesan bishops, central Church institutions, and other ecclesiastical bodies. A final communiqué is expected to be issued at the conclusion of the session.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
