Serbian Patriarch Porfiry blessed the blood donation campaign at St. Sava Church in Belgrade

On Sunday, February 8, 2026, a significant charitable action took place in the Serbian capital, Belgrade: Patriarch Porphyrios of Serbia blessed the voluntary blood donation at the Hierarchical Church of St. Sava. This event emphasized the social and humanitarian dimension of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s ministry, uniting the faithful in an act of charity.

According to Orthodoxianewsagency.gr, His Holiness Patriarch Porfiry visited and blessed representatives of the Red Cross and the Blood Transfusion Institute, as well as all participants in the action, which took place at the Parish Spiritual Center of St. Sava Temple. The visit of the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church took place immediately after the Divine Liturgy and served as an inspiration to all who responded to the call for voluntary donation.

Patriarch Porphyrios’ homily was also an important part of the day. During his homily on the Gospel Parable of the Prodigal Son, His Beatitude the Patriarch spoke of the profound importance of repentance in the life of a Christian. «The path of repentance is the path of our growth and our return to our source and our roots, » he emphasized, urging the flock to spiritual reflection.

The Patriarch also emphasized the importance of humility and the struggle against inner vices. «We are called to live with humility and repentance, but at the same time to fight pride and arrogance within us,» His Holiness added, drawing a parallel between spiritual purification and readiness to serve our neighbor, which found its practical expression in the blood donation campaign.

Earlier, Patriarch Porphyrios of Serbia met with the Apostolic Nuncio to Slovenia and the Apostolic Delegate for Kosovo and Metohija. During the talks, His Holiness informed the Vatican representative in detail about the difficult situation in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as the many challenges that the Serbian people and the Serbian Orthodox Church face on a daily basis. Particular attention was paid to human rights violations, including the denial of the Patriarch’s free movement, and attempts to distort historical and cultural heritage.