Serbian Patriarch Porfirije led the consecration of the Church of St. Archdeacon Stephen in Nova Pazova, urging worshippers to regard their abilities, knowledge and material resources as gifts that should be shared with others.

Speaking to parishioners after the service, Patriarch Porfirije said that everything people possess and everything they are should be understood as a gift from God.

“All that we have, all that we are — all of it is a gift from God,” the patriarch said, according to the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Referring to the Gospel parable of the talents, which was read during the Divine Liturgy, Porfirije said the parable speaks not only about the opportunities given to each person but also about the responsibility to use them properly.

Knowledge, abilities and material prosperity, he said, should be placed at the service of others rather than becoming a reason for isolation or self-assertion.

The patriarch also highlighted the contribution of entrepreneur Radenko Djuričić, who initiated and financed the construction of the new church. In recognition of his support, the Serbian Orthodox Church awarded Djuričić the Order of St. Sava, Second Class.

Construction of the church began in 2020 at Djuričić’s initiative. Designed by Belgrade architect and professor Ljubiša Folić, the building was constructed in the Serbian-Byzantine style and covers approximately 175 square meters.

According to its founders, the church is intended to serve as a place where parishioners of different generations can come together.

Unity was another central theme of Patriarch Porfirije’s address. He described communal prayer and participation in the life of the Church as a “breakthrough into eternity” and said that throughout history the Orthodox faith had helped the Serbian people preserve their spiritual bonds and sense of unity.

“Our foundation is not human. Our foundation is the Lord Jesus Christ,” Porfirije said.

The consecration ceremony was attended by bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, clergy and numerous residents of Nova Pazova.

Metropolitan Vasilije of Srem welcomed the patriarch to the diocese, describing his visit as a great blessing for the local Orthodox community. He said the new church should become a spiritual center for this part of Nova Pazova and serve as a reminder of faith and church tradition for future generations.