Banja Luka Hosts Divine Liturgy for Republika Srpska’s Patron Saint

Photo: spc.rs

BANJA LUKA — On January 9, 2026, His Holiness Serbian Patr. Porfirije presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral Church of Christ the Savior in Banja Luka, marking the feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr and Archdeacon, the patron saint of Republika Srpska.

Congratulating the faithful, Patr. Porfirije praised the Serbian people for witnessing their faith through the construction and restoration of churches, emphasizing the importance of unity and moral example. “Let us be better to one another, for only then will we honor our father and teacher, St. Sava,” he said.

The Patriarch called on St. Stephen to intercede for all believers and highlighted the spiritual and societal significance of celebrating Christ’s Nativity.

The service was concelebrated by metropolitans, bishops, archimandrites, and clergy, with participation from high-ranking officials including the Acting President and Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Serbian Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković, the Mayor of Banja Luka, and political and international dignitaries.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Serbian Patriarch slammed an "undemocratic" ruling against the Republika Srpska president Milorad Dodik.

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