A spiritual academy dedicated to the feast of the Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian—the patrons of physicians, pharmacists, and all medical workers—was held on the afternoon of 14 November 2025 in the crypt of the Church of St. Sava in Vračar.
On this occasion, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije addressed the faithful with an archpastoral homily, reminding them that true medicine is inconceivable without sacrificial love for one’s neighbor. He emphasized that Christ is the most perfect Physician of soul and body, the One to whom both doctors and all people entrust themselves in their moments of weakness. Serbian Patriarch Porfirije encouraged physicians and medical personnel to preserve faith, hope, and compassion even in the most difficult moments of their service to the sick, bearing witness to the light of the Risen Christ.
The program continued with the chanters of St. Sava Church chanting the troparion and kontakion of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Professor Dr. Radisav Šćepanović then addressed the gathering, speaking about the long-standing relationship between the Church and medicine, noting that the Church recognizes in every doctor a co-worker in God’s work, who through knowledge, effort, and empathy participates in the mystery of healing.
In a prayerful and grateful atmosphere, the faithful once again expressed their reverence and love for the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian, as well as gratitude to all contemporary doctors and healthcare workers who, following their example, understand their profession as a service to both God and humanity.
The academy, organized by the Missionary Office of St. Sava Church, was attended by Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, Bishop Tikhon of Moravica, numerous clergy, as well as a large number of physicians, pharmacists, healthcare professionals, students, and faithful.
