Serbia’s Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs has allocated 12 million dinars, approximately €100,000, to the Religious Charitable Foundation of the Belgrade-Karlovci Archdiocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

An agreement extending cooperation between the government and the Church was signed on September 18 at the Patriarchal Palace in Belgrade by Labour Minister Milica Đurđević Stamenkovski and Bishop Petar of Toplica, a vicar bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Serbian Patriarch Porfirije was present at the ceremony.

The funding will support the foundation’s humanitarian and social programs. The Religious Charitable Foundation is among the largest charitable organizations within the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Through its church-run soup kitchens in Belgrade, the organization provides meals to more than 2,000 people every day. Its work also includes medical and dental services, as well as psychological and legal assistance.

Bishop Petar said the organization’s mission goes beyond providing material assistance, emphasizing the importance of protecting the dignity of people facing difficult circumstances.

“We have no right to turn away from these people or pretend that they do not exist,” the bishop said.

Minister Đurđević Stamenkovski described support for citizens in need as a shared responsibility of the state and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

“Social protection is complete only when all sectors of society participate in helping the most vulnerable groups,” she said.

According to the minister, particular attention will be given to large families, single parents, children, elderly people and people with disabilities. She also announced plans to develop joint projects supporting families raising children with developmental difficulties.

The agreement continues cooperation between the Serbian government and Church organizations in the field of social welfare. The authorities view religious charities as an additional component of the social assistance system, enabling direct support for people facing hardship.

The 12 million dinars will provide further state support for the Religious Charitable Foundation’s activities. A significant part of its work is also funded through donations and carried out with the assistance of volunteers.