On October 13, 2024, the city of Niš warmly welcomed His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church and His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia. Their visit marked a significant celebration of the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. According to the Serbian Orthodox Church’s official website, this event gathered clergy and faithful for a momentous occasion of unity and shared spiritual tradition.
A solemn service of thanksgiving was held in the Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, with Metropolitans, priests, monks, and laypeople joining together to greet the two distinguished Church leaders. Metropolitan Arsenije of Niš, along with the clergy, monks, and the faithful, honored the visit of Patriarch Porfirije and Archbishop Stefan with great reverence.
The service was led by Archimandrite Seraphim, the abbot of Sukovo Monastery. Among the attendees were numerous hierarchs from both the Serbian and Macedonian Orthodox Churches, including Metropolitan Timothy of Debar and Kičevo, Metropolitan Peter of Prespa-Pelagonia, Bishop John of Pakrac and Slavonia, Bishop Methodius of Budimlje-Nikšić, and Bishop Clement of Herakleia.
In his welcoming address, Metropolitan Arsenije of Niš expressed his deep joy at hosting Archbishop Stefan in Niš for the first time, underscoring the strong bond between the two Orthodox Churches. "We feel the love of the Macedonian people and respond to it with all our hearts," the Metropolitan said, emphasizing the spirit of mutual affection.
Archbishop Stefan conveyed his gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the importance of brotherly unity between the Churches. Reflecting on his past, he shared a personal memory of serving in the military in Niš in 1983, noting how much the Cathedral had transformed and been renewed since then. He also bestowed his blessings upon the large crowd of faithful who had gathered to welcome their esteemed guests.
This historic visit further solidified the strong ties between the Serbian and Macedonian Orthodox Churches, symbolizing a reaffirmation of unity and spiritual collaboration in the region.