PATRIARCH PORFIRIJE: SERBS ARE BLESSED BECAUSE GOD'S GRACE IS UPON THEM

BELGRADE/CANBERRA, OCTOBER 14 /SRNA/ - The Serbian people carry within themselves the strength to prevail and endure despite numerous sufferings and trials because God's power and grace are upon them, His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije said at the Church of Saint Sava at the New Kalenić Monastery in Wallaroo near Canberra.

After officiating on the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Patriarch said in his sermon that the Serbian people, though small in number, were blessed because they belonged to Christ and therefore feared nothing, neither death nor any enemy, the Serbian Orthodox Church /SOC/ said.

The Serbian Patriarch said that Serbs in Australia served as an inspiration to their brothers and sisters in the homeland on how to preserve faith in Christ as the measure and substance of life.

In his sermon, he also spoke about the importance and meaning of choosing to live a Christian life, saying there was no greater curse for a person or a people than to separate themselves from Christ, particularly if Saint Sava was their root and spiritual father.

"That is why a Serb belongs to Christ and does not fear death. When you belong to Christ, you are whole. If your brother has offended you or wronged you, try not to respond, but pray to God for him to become a better person," the Patriarch said.

On behalf of the faithful Serbian people of Australia, His Eminence Metropolitan Siluan of Australia and New Zealand thanked the Patriarch for his visit and said Australia was experiencing a great spiritual radiance.

"Glory to the Lord, this is a great day and a great joy, to feel the presence of Saint Sava, the patron of this holy place, to feel the love of a father and shepherd for his children, and the unity of the Church manifested here through the presence of the bishops," Metropolitan Siluan said.

After the liturgy, a memorial service was held for the late Bishop Petar, a former hierarch of the Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand, who is buried at the Church of Saint Sava.

An oak tree was also planted and a cross consecrated in the monastery grounds at the site designated for the construction of a chapel.