Patriarch Porfirije: The time for repentance is limited, don’t delay it

Patriarch Porfirije. Photo: Serbian Orthodox Church

In his sermon, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije addressed the faithful with spiritual guidance, warning of two main deceptions that demonic forces use to divert people from God’s path, reports the press service of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The first deception lies in convincing us that we have plenty of time for repentance. The Patriarch stated:
“Demonic forces tell us there is time for ascetic effort, repentance, and love, and that we don’t need to hurry to struggle against our passions, especially pride and self-centeredness.”

The Serbian Primate reminded everyone that no one knows the moment they will meet God.

The second, more serious deception, according to the Patriarch, is that demons try to convince people they do not exist. Porfirije emphasized:
“They do exist, brothers and sisters!”

The Patriarch also noted that demons have no power over a person unless that power is granted to them through free will:
“Demonic forces have no authority over us unless we give them a reason and the right to rule over us. We grant them this right through our choices.”

He concluded his sermon by reminding the faithful that only God’s will is stronger than human will, and it is the only force that governs humanity.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the Serbian Patriarch has called for interfaith dialogue.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.