On 26 November 2025, Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Sava in Kragujevac to mark the 25th anniversary of the local theological seminary, the Serbian Church’s website reported.

The Seminary of St. John Chrysostom was founded in 1997 as a branch of the Belgrade school and became an independent institution in 2000. Today it is a large five-story complex adjacent to the church, where future priests study and live.

Residents from across the region joined faculty and students for the jubilee celebration. The Patriarch concelebrated with metropolitans and bishops from throughout Serbia. In his homily, Patriarch Porfirije explained the parable of the Good Shepherd, reminding the faithful that a priest must serve God and the people above all, rather than engage in politics or civic agendas. A priest, he stressed, “gives himself for his flock” and remains faithful to the Gospel, not pursuing public influence.

The head of the Serbian Church noted that over the past 25 years the seminary has educated hundreds of young clergymen now serving throughout the country. He urged current students to model themselves on their heavenly patron, St. John Chrysostom, renowned as a defender of Christian faith and an example of wisdom and humility.

After the liturgy, the traditional blessing of the slava offerings took place, followed by a festive gathering in the seminary’s amphitheater. Patriarch Porfirije wished the faculty and students harmony, love, and spiritual growth: “May the grace of the Lord and the love of God abide with all of you.”