Serbian Patriarch calls for interfaith dialogue
Patriarch Porfirije. Photo: romfea.gr
On 12 November 2024, the "Dialogue for Peace: Tolerance and Civilization" event took place in the Ceremonial Hall of the Serbia Palace in Belgrade. This event, held for the fifth time, was attended by delegates from Serbia and Indonesia. The session was led by Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, reports orthodoxianewsagency.
The participants noted the ongoing nature of interfaith meetings that Indonesia has been conducting with many countries around the world. Bilateral interfaith meetings between Serbia and Indonesia began in 2011, and in 2015, Indonesia supported Serbia in Paris by voting against Kosovo's admission to UNESCO.
Patriarch Porfirije emphasized the significance of these meetings: "Interreligious dialogue is often misunderstood, and that is why it is extremely important to forge a path where we meet people who profess faith in God in a different way, with people who enrich our knowledge of the world we share with them. This path – or rather the crossing of paths – is the basic condition of every conversation, and much more of interreligious dialogue, which results in understanding and acceptance of the other."
Additionally, Patriarch Porfirije stated that interfaith dialogue is often undervalued in secular society.
"The aim of interreligious dialogue is to learn something new, to overcome doubts and misunderstandings and to exist in understanding. Through the dialogue, we observe the differences but also the similarities of the believers. Through dialogue we understand our differences and rejoice in our similarities," said the Serbian Patriarch.
The participants highlighted the importance of goodwill and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education and culture.
In conclusion, Patriarch Porfirije noted that interfaith dialogue is a place of reciprocity, appreciation, respect for others, and a place where others show appreciation and respect for us.
As earlier reported by the UOJ, Patriarch Porfirije discussed with the Ukrainian ambassador the mistakes made by the government regarding the UOC.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.