Patr. Kirill Congratulates Patr. Porfirije on Fifth Anniversary of Election
Five years after his election, Patr. Porfirije’s leadership is being marked by international recognition and fraternal congratulations.
BELGRADE, SERBIA — Patr. Kirill of Moscow has congratulated Patr. Porfirije of Serbia on the fifth anniversary of his election as head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, marking five years since his selection by the Holy Assembly of Bishops on February 18, 2021.
In his message, Patr. Kirill praised Patr. Porfirije’s steadfast leadership during what he described as a challenging era for Church unity and Christian moral witness. He commended his Serbian counterpart for bearing the “heavy cross” of patriarchal service with fidelity to Holy Orthodoxy and for supporting believers facing persecution for adherence to canonical tradition.
Patr. Porfirije was elected at the Memorial Cathedral of St. Sava in Belgrade and solemnly enthroned the following day. Over the past five years, he has guided the Church through liturgical ministry, pastoral visits, charitable initiatives, and engagement with civic and international leaders, leaving what many describe as a distinct pastoral imprint on contemporary Serbian Orthodoxy.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Porfirije of Serbia visited Jerusalem.
