The annual assembly of religious education teachers from the Belgrade-Karlovci Archdiocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church was held on June 20, with discussions focusing on the role of religious educators in modern society, the spiritual formation of young people, and efforts to strengthen the professional standing of teachers within Serbia’s educational system.

The gathering began with a solemn Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade. The service was led by Bishop Hilarion of Novo Brdo, vicar to the Serbian Patriarch and chairman of the Archdiocesan Committee for Religious Education. Serbian Patriarch Porfirije attended the liturgy alongside educators and church representatives.

In his homily, Bishop Hilarion reflected on the relationship between freedom and responsibility, arguing that contemporary society often interprets freedom as the absence of rules and limitations.

“True freedom implies responsibility and the ability to evaluate one’s actions before God,” the bishop said. “The law itself does not save a person—faith does. The meaning of the law is revealed through love for God and one’s neighbor.”

Following the service, participants continued their discussions at the National Library of Serbia, where Patriarch Porfirije addressed the assembly and expressed gratitude for the work of religious education teachers with children and young people.

The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church described the ministry of religious educators as a genuine act of service and sacrifice, emphasizing their role in introducing new generations to Christian values and the country’s spiritual heritage.

“I feel immense gratitude for the work, effort, and sacrifice that you offer for the Church,” Patriarch Porfirije told participants. “You bear witness to Christ and fulfill a very important mission.”

The patriarch also assured attendees that the Serbian Orthodox Church would continue advocating for improvements in the social and professional status of religious education teachers and would support them in matters related to their work in schools.

Religious education has played a significant role in Serbia’s school system since its reintroduction to public schools in the early 2000s. Students today may choose to attend religious education classes or enroll in an alternative civic education program.

Participants at the conference noted that rapid social change and increasing digitalization have made moral and spiritual education especially relevant. In this context, they argued, the work of religious educators extends beyond the classroom and contributes to a broader public conversation about values, responsibility, and cultural identity.

The assembly concluded with discussions on practical teaching challenges and an exchange of experiences among educators serving in different regions of Serbia, highlighting the continuing importance of religious education in the country’s educational and cultural landscape.