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In his words of welcome, His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije emphasized the unity of Christians, stating that, as they come together, they are “striving to faithfully fulfill Christ's command to be one, so that the world may know we are truly His disciples.”
Reflecting on his predecessors, including renowned hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church, many of whom are today venerated as saints, His Holiness expressed the honor of receiving and hosting the WCC general secretary for an official visit to the Serbian Church for the first time in over fifty years.
His Holiness credited Patriarch German, who served as a WCC president from 1968 to 1975, for leading the Serbian Church to join the WCC in 1965. He highlighted the diverse challenges churches face today, noting that the variety of church traditions enriches the WCC as a fellowship of churches. “It is our duty and obligation to overcome every obstacle in prayer and in the Holy Spirit, and to remain true to our foundational commitment to strengthen cooperation among churches,” he said.
WCC general secretary, Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, speaking at the exhibition's opening, reflected on the significance of the shared journey between the World Council of Churches and the Serbian Orthodox Church. Pillay, accompanied by Dr Andrej Jeftic, director of the WCC Commission on Faith and Order, is visiting WCC member churches in Serbia from 2-4 September.
In opening the exhibition, Pillay said: “We have come together today to honor and celebrate the longstanding relationship between the World Council of Churches and the Serbian Orthodox Church. We acknowledge the unique gifts, wisdom, experience, and leadership of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The participation of its members in various governing and consultative bodies has enriched our collective journey.”
Pillay emphasized that journeying together on the Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity is central to ecumenical efforts. “We are committed to praying, walking, and working together,” he said. He added, “We also seek to act together—addressing injustices, helping those in need, protecting the environment, and serving the world God entrusted to us.”
Regarding the exhibition, Pillay noted that the archival materials on display are more than historical documents. “They are testimonies to personal relationships, dialogues, mutual visits, and collaborations that have shaped our common history,” he said. “They remind us of our great predecessors, their dreams and visions, the theological discussions, moments of agreement and disagreement, and shared aspirations and hopes.”
Pillay concluded by emphasizing that the exhibition is not just a reflection of the past but also an inspiration for the present and future. “It can and should inspire us to rethink how we can continue to work together to bridge divides, heal wounds, and bear witness to the reconciling love of Christ.”
He expressed hope that the fellowship between the World Council of Churches and the Serbian Orthodox Church will grow even stronger. “I want to express my deep gratitude to the Serbian Orthodox Church for its unwavering commitment to the World Council of Churches,” Pillay said. “I also want to thank the organizers of this exhibition for their dedication and hard work in bringing this project to fruition.”
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WCC general secretary met with leaders and representatives of the Slovak Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Serbia and the Reformed Christian Church in Serbia.
WCC
Later in the day, the general secretary met with leaders and representatives of the Slovak Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Serbia and the Reformed Christian Church in Serbia, the two Protestant WCC member churches in the country.
Bishop Dr. Jaroslav Javornik, leader of the Slovak Evangelical Church, and his fellow leaders shared their challenges, concerns, joys, and vision for their church, reaffirming their commitment to the WCC. Ms Mária Beszédes, the ecumenical officer of the Reformed Christian Church in Serbia, shared insights about her church’s ongoing activities and reflected on her experiences at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute and the valuable work and witness of the WCC.
Pillay expressed his gratitude for their dedication to the WCC’s mission and emphasized the WCC’s willingness to support these churches in strengthening their participation within the broader ecumenical movement. He commended these churches for their continued witness and work amidst numerous challenges. He encouraged them to continue with their vision and enthusiasm to serve God in their context and beyond.
WCC general secretary to visit member churches in Serbia - WCC news release, 2 September 2024
