PATRIARCH PORFIRIJE: LET US BE ONE, WE NEED ONE ANOTHER

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 8 /SRNA/ - We need one another, we cannot exist without one another, His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije said at the ceremonial academy marking the Day of Republika Srpska, January 9, and the 34th anniversary of its founding, held in Banja Luka.

Patriarch Porfirije called for overcoming divisions and disputes, emphasizing that the Serbian people are one body, one Church.

"We must be able to show understanding and unity among ourselves, constantly reconcile with one another, and overcome every kind of division and dispute. We need each other, and if we are not aware of this today, when the world is breaking into many pieces, then we are not worthy of God’s love," the Serbian Patriarch said in his address.

The Patriarch emphasized that this gathering in Banja Luka, held in the name of the Lord and the Holy First-Martyr Archdeacon Stephen, was meant to affirm that "although we are small, we are not weak."

"At the moment when the unjust court pronounced the sentence on Saint Stephen and declared his death penalty, the heavens opened, and the saint saw the Lord on His throne. He knew that his sacrifice was not in vain and that the final word belongs to the living God," the Patriarch said.

He also emphasized that Saint Stephen did not respond with hatred, did not cast a stone at those who judged him, did not spiritually falter, nor did he despair; rather, he was convinced that God’s justice would ultimately prevail.

The Serbian Patriarch stated that this brings comfort, as it helps explain why Orthodox Christians willingly take up the cross with faith and love.

He also noted that Banja Luka has suffered greatly, knows pain, and knows how to be patient until the moment it rises again.

"Here, churches have been destroyed, but the faith has never ceased; people have lost much, but they have never lost hope," the Patriarch said.

He called for peace to be sought in God and for the Word of God to be respected, so that there is no division.

"Let us be one, for we are one people, one body, one Church, even though we are different as individuals. Let us truly be brothers and sisters. Let us be worthy of Saint Sava, and only then will we be able to build peace with our neighbors," Patriarch Porfirije said.

He also urged neighbors from other peoples to reject hatred and all forms of violence against others.