On the feast day of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, one of the most venerated saints in the Orthodox Christian world, a solemn Divine Liturgy was celebrated in New Belgrade, led by His Holiness Porfirije, Patriarch of Serbia. The service took place in the Church of Saint Demetrius, the heavenly protector of Belgrade and a defender of the Christian faith, according to the website of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

At the conclusion of the service, Patriarch Porfirije addressed the faithful with a sermon reflecting on the central commandment of Christianity — love.

“When the Lord tells us to love one another,” the Patriarch said, “He is not simply uttering beautiful words. Love is a commandment, a law, and a principle of life for all who believe in God. Love for one’s neighbor is impossible without love for God, because only when Christ lives in us does love truly live as well.”

The Patriarch emphasized that a true Christian is called to see the image of God in every person — even in one’s enemies. He urged believers to overcome selfishness and fear, following the example of the Apostle Paul and the holy martyrs, who bore witness to the light of faith even in times of persecution.

“Saint Demetrius lived in an era when the world rejected Christ,” Patriarch Porfirije reminded the congregation. “He possessed everything — fame, power, and wealth — yet, having come to faith, he gave it all up for Christ, becoming a preacher of love and truth. Each of us can live with the same faith if we rely not on ourselves, but on God’s grace and the prayers of the saints.”

Construction of the Church of Saint Demetrius began in 1996, with the first services held in 2001. Located at the intersection of Omladinskih Brigada Street and Zoran Đinđić Boulevard, the church has become one of the symbols of Serbia’s spiritual renewal.

The parish hosts a church choir school, an icon-painting workshop, and a Sunday school for both children and adults. Regular services draw large congregations, especially among young people. Every Monday, an Akathist to Saint Demetrius is celebrated, and many believers regard the saint as their heavenly patron.