Patr. Porfirije Hosts OCA Abp. Michael in Belgrade
Serbian and American Orthodox leaders highlighted faith, pilgrimage, and cooperation during a meeting in Belgrade.
BELGRADE — Serbian Patr. Porfirije welcomed Abp. Michael of New York and New Jersey of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) following a Divine Liturgy celebrated before the Honorable Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos at the Church of St. Sava on June 3.
The meeting took place in the parish house of the Belgrade church after worship on the feast of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helena. Patr. Porfirije greeted Abp. Michael and members of his delegation, noting the significance of the visit during the period in which the revered relic of the Mother of God is present in the Serbian capital.
During the reception, Abp. Michael expressed gratitude for the opportunity to concelebrate the Divine Liturgy with the primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church. He also outlined the purpose of his June 2–13 pilgrimage, titled “In the Footsteps of Saint Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović,” which marks the 70th anniversary of the repose of the renowned Serbian saint and theologian.
The Archbishop, who also serves as rector of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, shared observations about continued growth in the Orthodox Christian population in the United States. Both hierarchs emphasized the importance of bearing witness to the Gospel through faithful Christian living and fostering dialogue grounded in truth and love.
Also present at the meeting were Archpriests John Parker, Danilo Dejanovski, John Vitko, and Josiah Trenham; Protodeacon Ephraim Rivers; Archpriest Đorđe Stojisavljević, Chief of Staff of the Serbian Patriarch; Deacon Nikola Kostić, Secretary of the Patriarchal Office; Deacon Vladimir Jović; and Mr. Boris Sekulić, staff member of the Patriarchal Office.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Porfirije announced an Orthodox university initiative.
