Serbian Patriarch Porfirije has called on Orthodox Christians to preserve unity, forgive one another and prevent disagreements from turning into hostility during his visit to the Novi Kalenić Monastery near Canberra, according to the Serbian Orthodox Church.

On October 14, the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Sava at the monastery in Hall, Australia, marking the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos.

In a sermon delivered on October 13, Porfirije urged believers to reject division and remember their shared spiritual bonds.

“Let us not agree that we are against one another. Let us not give up the fact that we are brothers,” the patriarch said.

He emphasized that differences of opinion should not lead to broken relationships but should instead encourage dialogue and mutual understanding. Conflicts, he warned, ultimately leave all parties worse off, while maintaining unity requires patience, forgiveness and a willingness to work on oneself.

Porfirije also urged the faithful to refrain from rushing to judge clergy, encouraging them instead to offer prayers and demonstrate patience. Before demanding changes from others, he said, people should reflect on their own actions and consider what they can do to promote reconciliation.

Addressing the broader question of peace, the patriarch stressed that it cannot be understood merely as the absence of armed conflict. Lasting peace also requires inner tranquility, reconciliation between people and the ability to overcome hostility.

During the October 14 liturgy, Porfirije further called on Christians to make their faith a guiding principle in everyday life.

“Let Christ be at the center of our lives. Let Him come first, because if we put Christ first in our lives, in our hearts, everything else will fall into place,” he said.

The patriarch also highlighted the significance of the monastery in Australia, describing it as a place of prayer, compassion and the pursuit of peace that serves not only the Serbian community but the wider continent.

He called on believers to pray for peace throughout the world and demonstrate their faith through their treatment of others, emphasizing that Christian principles must be reflected in everyday relationships and actions.

Porfirije’s message centered on the importance of preserving brotherhood despite differences, fostering reconciliation and recognizing peace as both a personal responsibility and a shared commitment.