“His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije stated that today a great blessing has been poured upon Foča, Republika Srpska, and beyond, as Serbs in the heart of the city consecrated a temple dedicated to the first Serbian Archbishop, Saint Sava. ‘This place has now gained a soul, meaning, and the fact that an Orthodox temple stands in the center of Foča reveals and indicates the true direction of the people’s lives here,’ Patriarch Porfirije said in his speech after consecrating the temple and conducting the Divine Liturgy.
According to his words, Saint Sava is the best example of what it means to be an Orthodox Serb, as he built, nurtured himself, his people, made them unique, united in faith in Christ, and made his people, enriched by Orthodox faith, creative and enduring throughout the centuries. Saint Sava connected East and West, and all who met him not only loved him but also loved his people,’ emphasized the Serbian Patriarch.
The Patriarch highlighted that this temple demonstrates the commitment of all who live here to the Christ’s Nativity and peace, unity within themselves and with everyone else.”
“He mentioned that the Gospel, with its commandments, rules, and law, regulates not only individual, personal life but also mutual relationships within one nation, the Church, and with others, who are different. His Holiness noted that today they heard the Gospel about the merciful Samaritan, in which it is spoken about how a member of the chosen people asks what needs to be done to gain the Kingdom of God, stating that this is a question that everyone asks.
‘Perhaps we have not always been aware that our essential need is communion with God, that it is more important than anything to find the meaning of our existence,’ said Patriarch Porfirije.
The Patriarch also spoke to the gathered people about neighbors, stating that first is the one who is next to us, a family member, then neighbors, distant relatives, and then members of the same nation and faith.
‘When within that context we see and experience each person as our neighbor, we become capable of understanding God’s truth that every man is like an icon of God called to be our neighbor,’ emphasized Patriarch Porfirije.
The Divine Liturgy was attended by the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, mayors and chiefs of several municipalities, as well as numerous believers who came from all corners of Srpska.
The Saint Sava Temple in Foča spans 1,500 square meters and is the largest in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The temple’s foundations were consecrated on the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in 2006. The Saint Sava Temple was roofed in 2012, and religious services started in 2013.
The plateau was paved in 2018, and the iconostasis was installed a year later.
The painting of frescoes on the temple’s vaults is yet to be completed.
His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije arrived in Foča yesterday, and on that occasion, a doxology was held last night at the Saint Sava Temple.”
