Serbian Patriarch Porfirije has said that true victory is not achieved through strength or power, but through faith, love and the ability to forgive.

He made the remarks on November 8 during a liturgy at the Church of St. Great Martyr Demetrius in New Belgrade, where the community celebrated its patronal feast.

“The Church is always on the Cross of Christ, but on the Cross that brings victory,” the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church said.

Reflecting on the Church’s position in the modern world, Patriarch Porfirije noted that, like Christ, it often faces misunderstanding and rejection. However, he stressed that Christian victory should never be understood as gaining superiority over opponents, humiliating others or hating those with different views.

“This victory does not mean humiliating another person. It does not mean rejecting one's neighbour. It does not mean hatred towards someone who opposes us. This victory implies joy and humility,” he said.

Following the liturgy, the Patriarch addressed the faithful again, speaking about St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki, whose feast was celebrated that day.

He recalled that St. Demetrius, a military commander who lived during the persecutions of Christians, consciously chose faith in Christ over the privileges and values associated with earthly power and status.

“Saint Demetrius showed that faith is not just a word; faith is a way of life,” Patriarch Porfirije emphasized.

He added that the true strength of a Christian is demonstrated through love, humility and prayer, including prayer for those who have offended or hurt them.

Concluding his address, the Patriarch urged believers to begin the process of change with themselves rather than demanding improvements from those around them.

“If we want others to become better, and for things to become better for us, then we have chosen the wrong direction from the very beginning. Let us become better. You become better, you become better — and before all of you, let me become better myself,” he told the congregation.

His message placed personal responsibility, forgiveness and humility at the heart of Christian life, presenting spiritual victory not as triumph over others, but as the ability to overcome hatred and respond to difficulties with faith and love.