PATRIARCH PORFIRIJE: I COME AS A BROTHER TO PRAY FOR PEACE, UNITY AND UNDERSTANDING

NIKŠIĆ, JULY 28 /SRNA/ - His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije said today in Nikšić that he did not come to Montenegro as a guest, but as a brother and spiritual shepherd, to strengthen the faith.

Addressing the faithful, hierarchs and priests who welcomed him at the Cathedral Church of St. Basil of Ostrog, the Patriarch stressed that he was there so that they could pray together to God for peace, unity, harmony and mutual understanding.

He stressed that it is a great blessing for anyone who comes to this holy land, the Information Service of the Serbian Orthodox Church /SOC/ said.

"It is a great blessing, especially for us whom God has chosen to be servants of His altar," Patriarch Porfirije said.

His Holiness stressed that he never comes to Nikšić and Montenegro as a stranger, or even as a guest, but as one of their closest, as a brother, as well as a shepherd and spiritual father of the flock whose roots were planted by Saint Sava.

"I come not solely and primarily to give sermons and teach others, but to strengthen your faith," the Patriarch stressed.

Patriarch Porfirije said that during the Holy Liturgy the only measure and the only criterion is the faith carried in one’s heart, and that it is there that it is shown and confirmed that all forms of division are overcome.