On April 22, 2025, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met with His Holiness Patriarch Porfiry of Serbia at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence at the Danilov Monastery in Moscow.
On the part of the Russian Orthodox Church, the meeting was also attended by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations; Bishop Alexy of Ramenskoye, Personal Secretary to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill; Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, Adviser to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia; Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, Deputy Chairman of the DECR; Hegumen Feofan (Lukyanov), Head of the DECR Protocol Sector; and an employee of the DECR Secretariat. on Inter-Orthodox relations, A.Y. Khoshev.
The Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church was accompanied by Archbishop Irinej of Novosadsky and Metropolitan of Baca, Bishop Stefan of Remesia, representative of the Patriarch of Serbia to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Archimandrite Khariton (Pavlitsa), rector of Kovil Monastery, Archpriest George Stoisavljevic, head of the Office of the Patriarch of Serbia, Protodeacon Radomir Obraschinic, Rector of St. Sava Seminary in Belgrade, Protodeacon Radojica Jagran, the monk of the Kovil monastery Hierodeacon Justin (Zhivanich), Deacon Ivan Vasilyevich, as well as Subdeacons D. Nakich and V. Yelich.
Before the meeting, the Primates of the two Churches visited the cross temple of the Patriarchal Residence. Welcoming the distinguished guest with warm warmth and a sense of fraternal solidarity, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill stressed that the Russian Church has never had even a fleeting shadow of something negative in its relations with the Serbian Church, but has always maintained understanding of each other, love and mutual brotherly support. "This is no coincidence: not only are our peoples close in language, culture, and history, but both our Churches have suffered a lot throughout their history, including as a result of unjust persecution in the 20th century," His Holiness continued. — Both the historical experience coming from the depths of centuries and the experience of the last century unite our Churches, including in understanding what the pastoral mission aimed at modern man should be today. Although there are no such persecutions now as there were under totalitarian regimes, what is happening today at the junction of church and secular life also poses a certain danger. People face false ideals and false goal-setting associated with achieving a high level of comfort and material well-being. At the same time, those spiritual and moral values that are associated with Christianity often go to the periphery. Therefore, the joint missionary and theological work of our fraternal Churches is in great demand today."
His Holiness wished His Holiness Patriarch Porfiry the help of the Lord in his Pre-Christian ministry for the benefit of the Serbian Church, the Serbian people and the entire Orthodoxy.
"I am glad that we are now together here in Moscow, in the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the resurrection of the human race and of each of us, if we have faith, humility and hope in God. There are always temptations and problems, but the Resurrection of Christ is a genuine and unchangeable fact, now and ever and forever," the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church said in response.
Patriarch Porfiry stressed that the good relations between the Russian and Serbian Churches are a good example for all Orthodox Christians. "Thank you for your love, may God grant you good health and help from the Lord to you and your fellow workers — bishops, priests and the entire Russian Orthodox people. Christ is Risen!" said His Holiness, addressing His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.
During the subsequent fraternal interviews, Patriarch Kirill emphasized the importance of the Serbian Primate's visit to Moscow during Holy Week. "This meeting is unique in that we celebrate the Risen Savior together, and I think it deepens the understanding that the relationship between our Churches is of a special nature. This is due to the history and cultural closeness of our peoples, but also to a common goal—setting," Patriarch Kirill said. "We have established regular fraternal communication with Your Holiness, but a personal meeting and a confidential conversation are always of particular importance."
The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church cordially congratulated His Holiness Patriarch Porfiry of Serbia on being awarded the degree of Honorary Doctor of the Moscow Theological Academy. "This decision of the Academic Council of our oldest theological school testifies to the high authority of Your Holiness as a theologian and as a church leader," His Holiness Patriarch Kirill stated. "I am aware of your outstanding personal contribution to the development of spiritual and religious education in your country, your deep involvement in this subject, as well as your selfless efforts aimed at the spiritual enlightenment of your flock."
He also pointed to the very significant contribution of His Holiness Patriarch Porfiry to the intensification of cooperation between the two Churches in the field of spiritual education and student exchange.
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia emphasized the feeling of deep respect for his interlocutor as "a wise Primate and as the closest brother of all the Local Orthodox Churches, because our Churches, like others, are united by a single faith, but also by a common historical path, culture, and in many ways a common view of what it has happened and is happening in the world."
It was mentioned in the conversation that earlier a number of Patriarch Porfiry's memorable predecessors on the throne of the Serbian Primates, Patriarchs Gabriel (+1950) and Herman (+1991), had been awarded honorary doctorates at the theological academies of the Russian Orthodox Church. "In awarding you an honorary degree, I see a continuation of this glorious tradition, which strengthens the relationship between our Churches," His Holiness Patriarch Kirill stated.
For his part, His Holiness Patriarch Porfiry of Serbia thanked for awarding him the honorary title, noting that he sees in it "an expression of love between our Churches and our peoples."
"Theology is life itself for us, and I believe that education is the most important thing in the life of the Church," the Primate of the Serbian Church emphasized, addressing His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. — As you mentioned, in the modern world, values are accepted not only non-spiritual, but often directly anti-evangelical, and we know that sometimes some theological schools are influenced by world opinion and a certain ideology, often anti-Christian. Therefore, it is very important that theological education and our theological schools be in the field of constant attention of the Church, and that it is not just an academic education that is not connected with church life, with worship. It is not for nothing that the ancients said: if you want to be a theologian, you must pray, if you pray, then you are a theologian."
As Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia noted, by awarding an honorary degree to Patriarch Porfiry of Serbia, the Russian Orthodox Church pays tribute to him as an outstanding church leader and theologian. "You combine both theological works and church teaching with practical pastoral guidance, nurturing your Church and your people," said His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.
During the conversation, a wide range of topics related to pan-Orthodox unity and inter-Church relations, as well as other issues of mutual interest, were touched upon.
At the end of the meeting, the Primates of the Russian and Serbian Churches exchanged memorable gifts.