Serbian Patriarch Porfirije delivered a powerful sermon on January 8, 2026, during the ceremonial academy in Banja Luka marking the Feast of the Epiphany and the Day of the Republika Srpska, emphasizing faith, unity, sacrifice, and reconciliation in a time of global uncertainty.
Addressing the faithful, the Patriarch opened with the traditional Christmas greeting, saying, “Peace of God – Christ is born!”, and described Banja Luka as “a city dear to all of us, a city that lies in the heart of every Orthodox Serb.” He noted that the gathering was marked by “a double joy,” rooted both in the Nativity of Christ and in the baptismal feast of the Republika Srpska.
Referring to the words of Christ, Patriarch Porfirije stressed the spiritual meaning of communal worship and public gatherings: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” He underlined that this unity confirms that “although we are small, we are not alone.”
Speaking on the feast of Saint Archdeacon and Protomartyr Stephen, the Patriarch highlighted the Christian understanding of strength through faith, recalling the Apostle Paul’s words that “our strength is made perfect in weakness.” He explained that true victory comes when people rely not on their own power, but on God’s grace, adding that Saint Stephen’s martyrdom shows that “the last word always… belongs to God.”
Patriarch Porfirije emphasized forgiveness as the heart of Christian witness, pointing to Saint Stephen’s prayer for his persecutors: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” He described this as “the Gospel in action” and called it the model for Christian life today.
Reflecting on the history of Banja Luka and the Serbian people, he acknowledged suffering and endurance, noting that although temples were destroyed, “faith has not disappeared,” and although people lost much, “they have never lost hope.”
Turning to contemporary challenges, the Patriarch urged reconciliation and harmony, quoting the Apostle Paul: “That there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in the same mind and in the same judgment.” He called on people to overcome divisions with “kind words, words of brotherly love and words of forgiveness,” stressing that “we are necessary for each other.”
Addressing relations with other nations and faiths, Patriarch Porfirije sent a clear message: “For the sake of a more honorable, and thus more progressive, future… we are all obliged to reject hatred and every form of violence.” He underlined that every human being is “a gift from God” and deserves love and peace.
In a special appeal to young people, he warned: “Do not allow hatred to become your identity and bitterness your food,” urging them instead to live by the biblical call to “overcome evil with good.”
Concluding in the light of Christmas, Patriarch Porfirije reminded the faithful that the world is not saved by force, but by love: “The world is not saved by demonstrating power, but by love.” He prayed that Saint Archdeacon Stephen would guide all people to live their faith humbly and to never give up on one another.
Ending his address, he offered blessings for Banja Luka, the Republika Srpska, and all people living in the region, wishing them peace, unity, and hearts open to God and to one another, concluding once more: “Peace of God, Christ is born!”
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia