Patriarch Porfirije: We are at home in Kosovo and Metohija, your example sobers us up

Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church Porfirije, during his sermon after the Liturgy held at the Gracanica Monastery, conveyed that the holy sites in Kosovo are the home of all Serbs and that in them we find the reason of our existence.

The Patriarch stated that in Kosovo, we know who we are.

"Here in Kosovo and Metohija, we are in our own home, understanding where we come from. And I remind all our brothers and sisters around the world of this truth. When we are anywhere else, then we are strangers," Porfirije said.

Recalling the feat of the Kosovo heroes, he emphasized that the most important in the value hierarchy is to have faith in Christ and understand the power of prayer.
The Patriarch also added that today's gathering is for the purpose of praying for the peace of the Serbs in Kosovo.

"To you, brothers and sisters who live in Kosovo and Metohija, we have come to pray with you, to pay homage to your strength and determination to protect our holy sites in Kosovo. This would not be possible without faith in your souls. With your prayers and steadfastness, we, too, heal from within, are born again, and begin to understand that the most important thing is to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, to trust in the love of God," Patriarch Porfirije emphasized.

He appealed to everyone to contribute to peace in Kosovo. He conveyed to the Serbs in Kosovo that they give a lesson to everyone through their example.

"But we know that there will never be peace if it does not exist in our souls. And we are grateful to you for sobering us up and healing us with your example and Orthodox faith. Our Church will never forget anyone, nor can it abandon them. If the Church forgets even one Serbian man or woman from Kosovo and Metohija, then our existence serves no purpose. We pray for every soul in Kosovo and Metohija, that the Lord may instill His peace in every soul," Patriarch Porfirije conveyed.

He added that today is a particularly good day because while the Serbs celebrate one of the most significant Serbian holidays, Vidovdan, Muslims celebrate Kurban Bayram, and he extended his congratulations.

"Today is a joyful day. We celebrate St. Prince Lazar and the Holy Kosovo Martyrs, and today our Muslim brothers celebrate Kurban Bayram. Praying to God for all the people of the world, may the Lord grant joy and peace to all. I congratulate Bayram to our Muslim brothers in Kosovo and Metohija. May they, too, through their faith in God, pray for peace in their souls," Porfirije stated.

He emphasized that Kosovo is holy and that it accommodates all people, sanctuaries, and forms of prayer, regardless of how they pray to God.

At the end, the Patriarch wished everyone a happy holiday.

During the liturgy and the sermon by Patriarch Porfirije, a NATO helicopter flew over Gracanica and the monastery's courtyard.