Serbian Patriarch Porfirije celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Belgrade to mark Military Chaplaincy Day and the 15th anniversary of an agreement that paved the way for the return of priests to the country's armed forces.

In his sermon, the Patriarch emphasised that military chaplains are called to support servicemen, help them preserve their faith and prevent hostility and division among people.

The service took place on November 12, the feast day of Saint King Milutin, at the Church of the Holy Apostle Mark, according to the website of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Several Serbian hierarchs concelebrated with the Patriarch, including Military Bishop Dositej, along with clergy serving in the armed forces.

On June 28, 2011, Serbian Patriarch Irinej and the country's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement establishing the legal framework for the return of chaplains to the military. Following an interruption dating back to World War II, military chaplaincy services resumed in the Serbian armed forces on August 1, 2013.

Military chaplains assist servicemen in practising their faith by conducting church services and religious rites, praying for soldiers and providing spiritual guidance and support. Participation in religious activities is voluntary.

The Serbian armed forces include chaplains representing not only the Orthodox Church but also other traditional religious communities, including Catholic priests and Muslim imams.

In his address, Patriarch Porfirije stressed that military chaplains must never encourage conflict or divide people into opposing groups.

Their calling, he said, is to stand alongside every serviceman and guide them towards prayer, humility and compassion.

"A priest is not in the army to divide people or encourage them towards hostility," the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church emphasised.

He added that clergy should help soldiers struggle above all with their own passions, including pride, selfishness and hatred.

Military Chaplaincy Day in Serbia is observed on the feast of Saint King Stefan Milutin, who ruled in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. He is remembered as one of Serbia's most prominent medieval rulers and patrons of the Church.

According to Church tradition, dozens of churches and monasteries were built or restored with his support, including Gračanica Monastery and several churches on Mount Athos.