Patriarch Porphyry: The world often hates us, but that's no reason for us to hate it

Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church Porphyry he said on Saturday, July 4, on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the martyrdom Serbs in Srednje Podrinje and Birč, that the Serbian people through the centuries went through various trials and often had occupiers, but that even in the most difficult times, they remained a creative and building nation that is admired by the whole world even today.

"Throughout the centuries, we went through various trials, we often had occupiers, but at the same time they could not take from us what is inside us, which is our being. We lost territory and homes and lands, but we always remained who we are. Even in the most difficult times, we were creators and builders who are still admired by the whole world today. The world often hates us, rejects us, but that is not a reason for us to hate," emphasized Patriarch Porfirije at the ceremony in Bratunac, reports Radio-television of the Republic of Srpska (RTRS).

The one who wants to keep his faith, the patriarch pointed out, will not always be gladly accepted everywhere and in every place.

"The reason for this is that he who keeps his faith is for truth, justice, love, peace and will not give it up for the sake of some temporary interests and will not become something that he is not," said the Serbian patriarch.

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We are not always accepted everywhere, says the patriarch, because we will not give up our spiritual identity and everyone else's.

"We just want to testify that we are Orthodox Christians and live the Gospel. That's why the world often hates, rejects and persecutes us, i.e. those who gladly renounce themselves and become something else, those who easily sell their faith," said the patriarch.

He pointed out that the Serbian people will win in justice, love, peace, committed to the path of Saint Sava, which implies a willingness to sacrifice.

"We know that the only important thing is to please God and that by following his path we will be able to glorify him and be together with him in eternity," said Patriarch Porfirio.

In Bratunac today, a central commemoration is being held on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the suffering of the Serbs in Srednje Podrinje and Birč, under the slogan "You don't call yourself a Bratunac, you go to Bratunac".

Source: FoNet

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