From May 13 to 17, 2025, the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) convened at the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade, under the leadership of Patriarch Porfirije. The gathering, which addressed significant matters concerning the life of the Church, concluded with the canonization of several new saints, whose names were officially added to the Church’s diptychs.

Among the newly canonized, several martyrs, clergy, and devout Christians, who suffered for their faith across various historical periods, were recognized for their unwavering devotion. One of the most significant decisions made by the Assembly was the canonization of the Garavica and Bihać martyrs, who perished for their Orthodox faith in 1941, during the tumultuous years of World War II in the regions of Bihać and Cazin. These areas were home to concentration camps and mass executions of Serbs under the fascist-backed Independent State of Croatia, which supported anti-Slavic nationalism. The Garavica and Bihać martyrs have since become powerful symbols of resilience and courage for the Serbian people during the war.

The list of new saints also includes 19th-century ascetics, notably Bishop Nikodim (Milaš) of Dalmatia, a passionate preacher of Orthodoxy in the Balkans during a time of intense religious and political pressure. Bishop Nikodim worked tirelessly to preserve the Orthodox identity among Serbs in Croatia. Additionally, Protosingel Cyril (Cvjetković), who served as the spiritual father of the Bezdan and Dalmatian-Bokelj monasteries, was also canonized. He became an emblem of resistance against the Uniate influence in the region, defending Orthodox Christianity at a time when Orthodox priests were persecuted for their loyalty to the Church.

The Holy Synod also canonized martyrs from the Ottoman period. Among them are the Romani martyrs of the 16th century, who were martyred for their faith at the Romani Monastery, and the venerable martyr John of Stenica, who was executed for refusing to convert to Islam. Furthermore, Saint Anna, the mother of Saint Basil of Ostrog—one of the most revered Serbian saints—was also canonized. Saint Anna is remembered for her steadfast devotion to God and for raising her son, who would go on to become a key figure in the Serbian Orthodox tradition.

This momentous decision by the Serbian Orthodox Church further strengthens its connection to the historical struggle for faith and identity in the Balkans, and serves as a testament to the courage of those who gave their lives in defense of Orthodoxy throughout the centuries.