Patr. Porfirije Hosts Trump's Spiritual Advisor in Serbia and Kosovo

BELGRADE — Serbian Patriarch Porfirije and Pastor Dr. Mark Burns, spiritual advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, held a series of meetings and visits in Serbia and Kosovo and Metohija in early July, focusing on religious freedom, Christian witness, and the pursuit of peace and reconciliation.

Patr. Porfirije first met with Pastor Burns on July 3 at the Patriarchal Palace in Belgrade. The meeting was attended by members of the Holy Synod of Bishops, including Metr. Irenaeus of Bačka and Metr. Jovan of Šumadija, and was conducted in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation between what participants described as two Christian nations and peoples. Also present were representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, members of Pastor Burns' staff, business leaders, and advisers from Serbia and the United States.

The Serbian Patriarchate also announced that Pastor Burns' visit to Serbia would include pilgrimages to several Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries.

The visit continued on July 5, when Patr. Porfirije and Pastor Burns traveled to the Patriarchate of Peć, the historic seat of the Serbian patriarchs in Kosovo and Metohija. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by Abbess Haritina and the sisterhood of the monastery before venerating the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God of Peć and the relics of Serbian archbishops and patriarchs preserved within the monastery's walls.

Addressing the faithful from the Patriarchate of Peć, Patr. Porfirije stated, "From the ancient seat of the Serbian Patriarchs, we invoke God’s blessing upon all people of good will, praying to the Lord to grant everyone peace, understanding, and brotherly love." Accompanying the patriarch were Bp. Ilarion of Novo Brdo and Archimandrite Danilo, director of the Patriarchal Administrative Office.

The Patriarchate noted that the Monastery of Peć, one of the most important monuments of Serbian-Byzantine architecture, has served for eight centuries as the spiritual center of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the site of the enthronement of Serbian patriarchs following the restoration of the Serbian Patriarchate in 1920.

Following his visit, Pastor Burns described the Patriarchate of Peć as one of the holiest places in the history of the Serbian Orthodox Church and emphasized the importance of protecting houses of worship, defending religious freedom, and preserving the dignity of all religious communities. He stated that his visit was intended not to deepen divisions, but to listen, pray, and support peace, reconciliation, and healing throughout Kosovo and the broader Balkans region.

Pastor Burns also announced that he had concluded what he called a "powerful meeting" with Patr. Porfirije regarding the persecution and injustice facing Christians and other religious communities in Kosovo. Declaring that "An attack on religious freedom anywhere is a threat to freedom everywhere," he pledged to continue advocating for the God-given right of every person to practice his or her faith without fear.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Michael led a pilgrimage across Serbia.