Holy Assembly of Bishops Commences with Solemn Liturgy at Saint Sava Temple

The regular session of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church began today with a majestic hierarchical liturgy at the Temple of Saint Sava in Vračar, marking the commencement of this significant ecclesiastical gathering.

Following tradition, the Assembly opened with a conciliar liturgy invoking the Holy Spirit, seeking divine guidance for the important deliberations ahead. This solemn beginning reflects the spiritual foundation upon which all Church governance rests.

The working sessions of this highest hierarchical, ecclesiastical-legislative, and ecclesiastical-judicial body of the Serbian Orthodox Church will commence tomorrow in the crypt of the Memorial Temple of Saint Sava. His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije will preside over these proceedings with the participation of all diocesan bishops.

According to established procedure outlined in the Rules of Procedure, the session will begin with the adoption of the agenda submitted by the Holy Synod of Bishops. The Assembly will then proceed with reviewing comprehensive reports on the work of all diocesan bishops, central church bodies, organs, and institutions.

"Based on Article 59 of the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church has convened the Holy Assembly of Bishops for its regular session, which will solemnly begin on May 13, 2024, with a conciliar holy liturgy invoking the Holy Spirit at the Memorial Temple of Saint Sava in Vračar," the official statement confirmed.

A Call to Prayer

As faithful Serbian Orthodox Christians, we are called to pray for the Holy Assembly during these consequential deliberations. This sacred gathering of our hierarchs requires our spiritual support through earnest prayer for divine wisdom, clarity, and unity.

We invite all parishioners of Saint Sava Cathedral and Orthodox faithful everywhere to offer prayers for:

• The illumination of our hierarchs with divine wisdom as they address matters affecting our Church's governance and mission

• The preservation of unity within our beloved Serbian Orthodox Church

• The Holy Spirit's guidance in all decisions made during this Assembly

• The strength and discernment of His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije as he leads these important proceedings

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During this time, we might incorporate these intentions into our daily prayers, perhaps using the Prayer to the Holy Spirit:

"O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One."

May our collective prayers rise like incense before the Lord, supporting our hierarchs as they undertake their sacred responsibilities in service to the Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful.

The Holy Assembly of Bishops is expected to address numerous matters of importance to the life and governance of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

We will provide updates as information becomes available.