Patriarch Porfirije (Peric)

Patriarch Porfirije (Perić) (1961-____)

Porfirije may be spelt Porphyrios, Porphyrius, Porfiriy.

Perić may be spelt Peric, Perich.

Early life of Prvoslav Perić

On 22 July, 1961, Prvoslav Perić was born to Radojka and Radivoj Perić in the town of Bečej, Vojvodina, People’s Republic of Serbia, Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now in the Republic of Serbia). His family history has roots in Derventa, a city of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prvoslav was baptised and raised as an Orthodox Christian in the bosom of the Serbian Orthodox Church. He was the first of 3 children in the family.

Prvoslav received his primary education in Čurug (a village located in the municipality of Žabalj, Vojvodina, Serbia. He received his secondary education in the “Jovan Jovanović Zmaj” Gymnasium (also called “Grammar School”) in Novi Sad.

Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Gymnasium

Higher education

After having completed his primary and secondary education, Prvoslav entered the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade, from which he graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Theology degree.

While he was studying, he was also preparing to live a monastic life. Eventually, he asked for, and received the blessing to be tonsured as a monk.

Orthodox Faculty of Theology, Belgrade

Monastic tonsure

On 21 April, 1985 (Thomas Sunday), while he was still a student, Prvoslav Perić was tonsured to be a monk of the Small Schema by his spiritual father, Hieromonk Irenej (Bulović), at the Holy Ascension Great Dečani Monastery (near Dečani) in Kosovo.

Great Dečani Holy Ascension Monastery

He was given the name Porfirije (in honour of the saint for whom Saint Porphyrios of Kavsokalivia (who was yet alive at the time) was named).

Diaconal ordination, 1986

On 23 June, 1986, on Monday after Pentecost (Day of the Holy Trinity), Monk Porfirije (Perić) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in the Holy Trinity Monastery at Mušutište (Rusinica) in Prizren, Kosovo and Metochia by Bishop Pavle (Stojčević) of Raška and Prizren.

Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Mušutište

(This monastery of 1399 was destroyed in a 1999 attack)

Diaconal service, further education

Hierodeacon Porfirije (Perić) began his postgraduate studies at the University of Athens in 1986.

He completed these studies in 1990, after which he continued his studies and work towards a doctoral degree.

However, at the same time, other responsibilities were given to him.

Presbyteral ordination, 1990

On 6 October, 1990, Hierodeacon Porfirije (Perić) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Irinej (Bulović) of Bačka at the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel Kovilj Monastery. Kovilj is a suburb of Novi Sad in Fruška Gora.

Holy Archangels Kovilj Monastery

Presbyteral service

Hieromonk Porfirije (Perić) was assigned to the Kovilj Monastery.

On 21 November, 1990, Hieromonk Porfirije (Perić) was elevated to the dignity of Igumen.

He was then assigned to serve as Igumen (Abbot) of the Kovilj Monastery.

With this assignment, the revival of the monastery began. The old residences were restored and new ones were constructed. The Monastery Temple was built, and fresco painting of the Temple began.

Igumen Porfirije tried to ensure that the life of the monks and the liturgical typicon of the Kovilj Monastery were developed in accordance with genuine monastic spirituality and the liturgical experience of the communities of the Holy Mountain of Mount Athos. The monastery became recognisable, thanks to the education of "Byzantine" church singing, as well as openness to society.

Many young monks and novices came to the Kovilj Monastery, and they became his disciples. At that time, the monastery had become a spiritual centre for many young people : intellectuals, artists, actors and rock musicians, especially from Novi Sad and from Belgrade. Since then, the focus of concern was more particularly upon patients with drug addictions.

On 14 May, 1999, the Bishops' Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church elected Igumen Porfirije to become a bishop.

Episcopal ordination, 1999

On 13 June, 1999, in the Cathedral Church of Saint George in Novi Sad, Archimandrite Porfirije (Perić) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by Patriarch Pavle (Stojčević), who was assisted by Metropolitan Vasily (Kolokas) of Elasson ; Metropolitan Ambrose (Jakalis) of Servia and Kozani ; Bishop Vasily (Kachavenda) of Zvornitsko-Tuzla ; Bishop Vasily (Vadić) of Srem ; Bishop Chrysostomos (Stolic) of Banat ; Bishop Irinej (Bulovic) of Bača ; Bishop Pachomiy (Gachich) of Vranj ; Bishop Lukian (Vladulov) of Osechkopole and Barany ; Bishop Ignatius (Midić) of Braničevo ; Bishop Filaret (Mićević) of Mileševo ; Bishop Fotij (Sladoević) of Sibenk and Dalmatia ; Bishop Gregory (Durić) of Hum (Zahumlje) (Diocese of Zahumlje and Herzegovina).

Saint George Cathedral, Novi Sad

Episcopal service

Bishop Porfirije (Perić)

Bishop Porfirije (Perić) was assigned to serve as titular bishop of Jegra, and assigned to serve as Vicar-Bishop of the Eparchy of Bačka.

Saint George Cathedral Bačka

Academic activity

In 2004, Bishop Porfirije received a Doctor of Theology degree in Athens, Greece, with the thesis “The Possibility of the Knowability of God in Saint Paul's Understanding, according to the Interpretation of Saint John Chrysostom”.

Then, Vladika Porfirije became a docent at the Department of Catechetical and Pastoral Theology of the Eastern Orthodox Faculty of Theology in the University of Belgrade.

Faculty of Theology at the University of Belgrade

He also lectured in the Department of Pastoral Psychology. He was re-elected as a docent in 2010.

In 2015, Vladika Porfirije was promoted to be an associate professor. At that department, he succeeded academician Vladeta Jerotić, with whom he had worked closely in several fields for years.

As a professor at the University of Belgrade, he taught basic studies in Pastoral Theology, as well as Psychology, New Testament Theology, and other subjects at the postgraduate and doctorate programmes.

He also participated in the initiation and promotion of the Institute at the Eastern Orthodox Theology Faculty.

Aerial view of the University of Belgrade

Pastoral activity

In 2005, Bishop Porfirije formed a therapeutic community called “Zemlja živih” (“The Land of the Living”), which is recognised as a successful project for drug rehabilitation. Under the leadership of Vladika Porfirije, it increased to have more than a hundred residents in camps throughout Serbia.

In 2005, Vladika Porfirije began to serve as a professor in the Faculty of Theology in Belgrade.

On 19 September, 2006, Vladika Porfirije served with Karan Dragan on the Orthodox-Catholic Commission in Belgrade.

In 2008, he served as president of the Republic Broadcasting Agency of Serbia.

Establishment of Military Chaplaincy of Serbia, 2010

In 2010, the Bishops' Council entrusted Bishop Porfirije (Perić) to establish the military chaplaincy in the Serbian Armed Forces. He was the military chaplain until 2011.

Ordinary of the Serbian Military Chaplaincy, 2011

From 2011, Vladika Porfirije was a co-ordinator for co-operation between the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian Army.

Metropolitan of Zabreb and Ljubljana, Croatia, 2014

In May, 2014, Bishop Porfirije (Perić) was elected by the Council of Bishops to become Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubljana.

He was elevated immediately to the dignity of metropolitan.

On 13 July, 2014, Metropolitan Porfirije (Perić) was enthroned by bishops of the Holy Synod of the Church of Serbia in the Cathedral of the Holy Transfiguration of the Lord in Zagreb, Croatia.

Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, Zagreb, Croatia

As Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubljana, Vladika Porfirije succeeded Metropolitan Jovan (Pavlović).

In 2016, Metropolitan Porfirije (Perić) was awarded by the Theological Academy of Saint Ignatius in Stockholm, Sweden, "for his contribution to the reconciliation of the people in the Balkans and his dedicated work on promoting unity among Christians".

From 18-26 August, 2016, Metropolitan Porfirije (Perić) served on behalf of the Church of Serbia as a member of the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church in Crete.

During the years of his service in Croatia, Metropolitan Porfirije tried to "build bridges" between the Serbs and the Croats. He served as a visiting professor at some Roman Catholic faculties, and he established good relations with high-ranking members of the Roman Catholic clergy.

From 2017-2019, Metropolitan Porfirije (Perić) was a member of the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

In January, 2019, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its founding, the Association for Religious Freedom in Croatia awarded Metropolitan Porfirije with a recognition for his peaceful contribution to the promotion of the culture of dialogue and religious freedoms.

Repose of Patriarch Irinej (Gavrilović), 2020

On 20 November, 2020, Patriarch Irinej (Gavrilović) fell asleep in the Lord.

The funeral obsequies (led by the Locum Tenens Metropolitan Hrisostom (Jević) of Dabro-Bosnia) took place on 21-22 November, 2020, in the Saint Sava Temple in Belgrade.

Election as Patriarch of Serbia, 2021

On 18 February, 2021, in the Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade, Serbia, at a convocation of the Council of Bishops of the Church of Serbia, Metropolitan Porfirije (Perić) was elected to become the 46th Patriarch of Serbia. Of the 30 possible bishops, 3 were chosen initially : Metropolitan Porfirije (Perić), Bishop Irinej (Bulović) of Bačka, Bishop Jefrem (Milutinović) of Banja Luka.

Following the ancient custom, Metropolitan Porfirije was chosen by lot when Archimandrite Matej (Ristanović) of Sisojevac Monastery pulled from the Gospel Book the envelope that contained his name (there was one envelope for each of the 3 nominated bishops).

Patriarch of Serbia, 2021

On 19 February, 2021, during the celebration of the Primatial Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral Church of Saint Michael in Belgrade, Metropolitan Porfirije (Perić) was enthroned to be Patriarch of Serbia.

On this occasion, only the bishops of the Church of Serbia served together.

Patriarch Porfirije (Perić) at the Patriarchal throne

Cathedral of Saint Michael, Belgrade

Patriarchal service

The official title of Patriarch Porfirije (Perić) is “His Holiness the Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovci, and Patriarch of Serbia”.

As is the custom in the Church of Serbia, there follows a formal enthronement to the ancient throne of the Patriarchate at Peć in the Eparchy of Raška and Prizren in Kosovo and Metohia.

However, on 15 May, 2021, the Holy Synod announced that the enthronement to the ancient throne of the Serbian patriarch was to be postponed until further notice due to epidemiological measures in force in Kosovo and Metohija (with regard to the Covid-19 virus pandemic).

In the meantime, congratulatory letters were sent by the heads of the other Autocephalous and Autonomous Orthodox Churches.

Administrator of the Metropolitanate of Zagreb and Ljubljana, 2021

Following his enthronement in Belgrade as Patriarch of Serbia, Patriarch Porfirije was assigned by the Holy Synod of the Church of Serbia to serve as the temporary administrator of the Metropolitanate of Zagreb and Ljubljana until the election of a new metropolitan bishop.

At the May, 2021, meeting of the Holy Synod of Bishops ("Sabor"), there was no election for a bishop in that diocese. However, at that same meeting, there were elections for the new Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, and for the new Bishop of Valjevo.

Montenegro, 2021-2022

At the May, 2021 meeting of the Holy Synod of Bishops ("Sabor"), the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church headed by Patriarch Porfirije abolished the "Episcopal Council of the Orthodox Church in Montenegro", while noting that the episcopal councils were temporary advisory bodies in accordance with extraordinary circumstances.

Patriarch Porfirije has repeatedly emphasised the importance of the Fundamental Agreement between Montenegro and the Serbian Orthodox Church, the signing of which was delayed by the disagreement of the 2 parties on certain articles of the agreement related to the wording of the historical role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro, and property ownership concerns.

On 27 May, 2021, in Belgrade, the patriarch met with Zdravko Krivokapić, Prime Minister of Montenegro, where they discussed the election of the new metropolitan of Montenegrin-Limitor and the signing of the Basic Agreement. In August of the same year, he announced that he would consider the changes made by the Government of Montenegro to the previously agreed text of the contract.

On 5 September, 2021, (facing road blockades and violent protests) Patriarch Porphirije enthroned Metropolitan Ioaniki (Mićović) of Montenegro in the Cetinje Monastery nearby. The patriarch and the metropolitan were transported to the enthronement ceremony by helicopter, protected by bulletproof vests and a police escort.

In January 2022, Patriarch Porfirije spoke with numerous persons from the Montenegrin political scene, and he noted that the contract will be signed when the political situation in the country normalises. In May of the same year, he met with the newly elected Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazović, in the Ostrog Monastery. In Podgorica, on 3 August, 2022, the Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, on behalf of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and Dritan Abazović, on behalf of the Government of Montenegro, definitively signed the Basic Agreement. The signing of the contract triggered numerous controversies on the political scene, and on the same day, certain parties that supported the government or were part of it submitted an initiative for a vote of no confidence. The political instability of Montenegro affects the life of the Church directly.

Healing the 1967 Schism of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, 2022

The history of the schism of the Church of Macedonia from the Church of Serbia was related in part to the political concerns of the government of the former Yugoslavia and its Macedonian component. Vladika Jovan (Vraniškovski) and other bishops had been persecuted for an attempt in 2002 to bring about a healing of the schism, although it was not completely fulfilled at that time.

On 16 May, 2022, the hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church, gathered in the Bishops’ Council in Sremski Karlovci, resolved to receive the previously schismatic Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric back into communion.

The Serbian Bishops’ Council was willing to accept the previous status of the Macedonian Church as an autonomous body within the Serbian Patriarchate. Thus, the Serbian bishops gave the Macedonian bishops the “full internal independence” originally granted them in 1959. This decision was arrived at in part through interventions by the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Nevertheless, the agreement was achieved through direct conversations between the bishops of Serbia and of Macedonia.

The Serbian Church declared that She would continue the dialogue to determine fully the “future and eventual final status” of dioceses within North Macedonia. She would be “guided only and exclusively by ecclesiological-canonical and Church-pastoral principles, criteria and norms, and not being concerned with ‘realpolitikal’, ‘geopolitical’, or ‘Church-political’” norms.

Although the Synod of Constantinople stipulated that the Macedonian Church must be known as “The Ohrid Archbishopric”, the Serbian Synod of Bishops stated that the official name would be resolved in “direct fraternal dialogue with the Greek and other Local Churches”. Although the Synod of Constantinople also stipulated that the Macedonian Church had jurisdiction only within the state of North Macedonia, the Serbian hierarchs stated that they had no intention of limiting its jurisdiction in the "diaspora". Long before, the Macedonian Church had established dioceses in North America, Europe, and Australia.

In its earlier letter to the Serbian hierarchs, the Macedonian Synod expressed hope that the other Local Orthodox Churches would recognise its return to the Serbian Church. There soon began to appear some indications that this would be the case.

Fulfilment of the healing at the Divine Liturgy, 19 May, 2022

On 19 May, 2022, the first joint Divine Liturgy of the Serbian and Macedonian Churches took place in the Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade after the restoration of canonical communion. At this Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Porfirije (Perić) and Archbishop Jovan VI (Vraniškovski) served together, as did the bishops of both Churches. The Patriarch of Serbia presented the Archbishop of Macedonia with the official document of reconciliation.

The "Romfea.gr" web-site reported that after this Divine Liturgy, the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church had "noted that overcoming the schism and restoring canonical communion with the Macedonian Church is a miracle of God". He further stated, “Let us rejoice and be glad, brothers, because now the fullness of the Church rejoices, heaven and earth rejoice, all the saints and Saint Sava rejoice”. On his part, Archbishop Stefan (Veljanovski) of Ohrid and Macedonia noted that the Faithful of Macedonia thank God for the reunion with the Mother Church. He added, "The Macedonian Orthodox Church - Ohrid Archdiocese, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bonds of peace, will continue the path leading and serving the cause of peace and mutual development".

Presentation of the Tomos of Autocephaly by Patriarch Porfirije to Archbishop Stefan

Saint Sava Sobor, Belgrade

Patriarch Porfirije (Perić) visited the USA, 2023

On 26 January, 2023, Patriarch Porfirije (Perić) arrived in New York City, where he began a visit to the USA. His visits included Chicago, and Libertyville, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was accompanied by Bishop Mitrofan (Kodić) of Canada, and Bishop Longin (Krčo) of New Gračanica. This archpastoral visit continued until 5 February.

During this time, he visited the Saint Sava Cathedral in New York City, New York ; Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois ; Saint Sava Cathedral in Milwaukee, Wisconsin ; the Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville, Illinois ; the New Gračanica Monastery in Third Lake, Illinois ; the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Seminary in Libertyville, Illinois. During these days, he also chaired many meetings.

Patriarch Pofirije, Bishop Mitrofan, Bishop Longin at the arrival in New York; at Saint Sava Cathedral New York ; at the arrival in Chicago ; at Libertyville for meetings

— Titular Bishop of Jegra 1999-2014. Preceded by : Bishop Nikanor (Iličić). Succeeded by : Bishop Jeronim (Močević).

— Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of Bačka 1999-2014.

— Metropolitan of Zagreb-Ljubljana 2014-2021. Preceded by : Jovan (Pavlović). Succeeded by : ____.

— Patriarch of Serbia 2021-____. Preceded by Patriarch Irenej (Gavrilović). Succeeded by : ____.

Reflections

Patriarch Porfirije is able to speak in the Serbian, Greek, English, German and Russian languages.

Patriarch Porphirije is an example of the expression "a man of the people" because of his modesty, somewhat like Patriarch Pavle II (Stojčević). For instance, he prefers to travel (on foot) without an official vehicle, which he did even before the election as patriarch when he was the Metropolitan of Zagreb-Ljubljana.

He celebrated his first Feast of Pascha as Serbian Patriarch with the homeless and sick children at the University Children's Clinic "Tiršova".

Patriarch Porfirije has been aware of and understands popular culture, and he understands that it is part of the life and missionary work of the Church to address the whole environment of Her people in the present context of their life. In a homily during Great Lent, he said :

 The Church of Christ is always contemporary, always current and always gives answers to the 
 essential, deepest questions.
 They say : 'The church should be modern'.  We know that the Church is neither old-fashioned nor 
 modern.  She is Christ's, and She is always contemporary, always current, always relevant, She
 gives an opportunity to those who seek the truth, who yearn for eternity, for love.  She is 
 reached in Christ and through Christ.  She gives everyone the opportunity to get an answer to 
 their essential, deepest questions.

Upon the election of Metropolitan Porfirije to become the 46th Serbian Patriarch, on 23 February, 2021, the well-known Serbian artist from Chicago, painter, icon painter and musician Dušan Djuk Delić, posted on Facebook 2 pictures of himself with his friend from his youth, Prlet (better known to everyone as the new patriarch Porfirije).

In the pictures taken in 1977 in their native Čurug, we see Prvoslav Perić first with shorter hair and a mustache. In the second photo, Prvoslav has longer hair, a fuller mustache, and the beginning of a beard. They were best friends, Dula and Prlet.

Dušan Delić (better known as "the Duke of Chicago"), did not hide his joy over the election of his best friend from his youth to become the next patriarch.

1977 : two photos of two friends

Awards

In 2016, Metropolitan Porfirije (Perić) was awarded by the Theological Academy of Saint Ignatius in Stockholm, Sweden, "for his contribution to the reconciliation of the people in the Balkans and his dedicated work on promoting unity among Christians".

Writings

Patriarch Porfirije (Perić) is the creator of books, and about 30 scientific, professional and popular works published in domestic and international magazines. A collection of interviews and addresses, which he gave during the first 2 years of his service as metropolitan (2014-2016), was published in 2016 under the title "Zagreb and I love each other publicly".

“The Possibility of the Knowability of God in Saint Paul's Understanding, according to the Interpretation of Saint John Chrysostom” (Doctoral thesis, Athens, 2004)

"Face to Face – Biblical-Pastoral Reflections on God, Man and the World" (Belgrade-Zagreb : PBF Publishing, 2015). ISBN 10 : 867405160X ; ISBN 13 : 9788674051603. (in Serbian)

"Zagreb i ja se javno volim" [“Zagreb and I love each other publicly”] (Novi Sad – Zagreb : Beseda Publishers, 2016).

"Wisdom Hidden in a Secret – Essays from the Theology of the Apostle Paul" (Belgrade : Biblical Institute of the Orthodox Theological Faculty of the University of Belgrade, 2021). (in Serbian)

Articles

"E ágápe õs sýndesmos ginóskontos kaí ginoskoménoy" (in Greek) (2011)

"Kosovo is our Cross" (2012)

"Pastoral Presence of the Church in the Serbian People during the First World War" (2015)

"Paul's Understanding of God's Righteousness in the Interpretation of Saint John Chrysostom" (2019)

"Missionary and pastoral Work of Saint Sava" (2019)

"Eschatology of the Apostle Paul : Epistles to the Thessalonians and Corinthians" (2020)

"Anthropology of Saint Paul the Apostle" (2020)

References

Wyrwoll, Nikolaus ed., “Orthodoxia 2014-2015" (Regensburg : Ostkirchliches Institut, 2015). ISBN : 978-7245-1959-1

Serbian Orthodox Church biography

Zagreb Metropolia biography

Serbian Wikipedia biography

Wikipedia biography

Orthodoxwiki biography

Russian Wikipedia biography

Drevo Encyclopaedia biography

Moscow Patriarchate biography

Additional information :

Cox, John, “The History of Serbia” (Westport, CT : Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002). ISBN 10 : 03133112907. ISBN 13 : 978-0313312908.

Kašić, Dušan, ed. “Serbian Orthodox Church : Its Past and Present”, vols. 1-6 (Belgrade : Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate, 1965-1983).

Pavlovich, Paul, “The History of the Serbian Orthodox Church” (Serbian Heritage Books, 1989). ISBN 978-0-9691331-2-4.

Radic, R, ‘Serbian Christianity’ in “The Blackwell Companion to Eastern Christianity”, ed. Parry, Ken (Oxford, UK : Wiley & Sons, 2010). ISBN : 978-1-4443-3361-9.

Stovanovic, Milica, “Serbian Church Elects Patriarch Deemed Close to President” (18 February, 2021)

Serbian Orthodox Church web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Serbia

Wikipedia article about the Serbian Orthodox Church

Encyclopædia Britannica article about the Serbian Orthodox Church

Macedonian Orthodox Church – Archdiocese of Ohrid web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Macedonia

Wikipedia article about the Macedonian Orthodox Church

List of Serbian patriarchs

List of Serbian Orthodox Eparchies

Patriarch Dimitrije (Pavlović)

Patriarch Varnava (Rosić)