Belgrade, June 4, 2026
L to R: Abp. Michael, Pat. Porfirije, Bp. Nikon of Jenopolje. Photo: tvhram.rs
His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey of the Orthodox Church in America concelebrated the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, June 3, with His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije before the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos at the Church of St. Sava on Vračar.
Also serving at the Liturgy were other hierarchs and clergy of the Serbian Church, monks from Vatopedi Monastery on Mt. Athos, who brought the holy Belt, Archpriest John Parker, dean of Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, and Archpriest Josiah Trenham.
The service drew a large gathering of clergy, monastics, and faithful, who filled the cathedral as pilgrims continued to come in large numbers to venerate one of the most revered relics in the Orthodox world, reports tvhram.rs.
Second from the left is Fr. John Parker, with Fr. Josiah Trenham next to him. Photo: tvhram.rs
During the Liturgy, Pat. Porfirije read a prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos for the peace, health, and salvation of the Serbian people according to the centuries-old liturgical tradition of Vatopedi Monastery.
In his homily, Pat. Porfirije said the Lord reveals to humanity the way of life that leads to communion with God and participation in the Kingdom of Heaven. He noted that human achievements, when separated from God, remain bound by transience and death, while the Kingdom of God is already present through the Church and Jesus Christ.
Speaking about the saints as guides to the Kingdom, the Patriarch pointed especially to the Most Holy Theotokos, describing her as the foremost example of life in Christ and as a protector and intercessor for the faithful. Referring to the long lines of pilgrims who had come to venerate her Belt, he said their presence bore witness to living faith, unity in Christ, and love for God.
Photo: tvhram.rs
The Patriarch also recalled St. Constantine’s vision of the Cross and St. Helen’s finding of the Precious Cross. He said the Cross conquers sin, hatred, and selfishness, and that true peace comes when a person joins his life to Christ.
Concluding his homily, Pat. Porfirije urged the faithful to make prayer a way of life, recalling the prayers, “Most Holy Theotokos, save us” and “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Serbian primate the gathered faithful and greeted those who had waited for hours to venerate the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos.
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