Patriarch Porfirije visits Serbian diaspora in Australia

Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church is conducting a multi-day pastoral visit to Australia, with significant stops in Melbourne and Canberra. During his time in Canberra, the Patriarch was formally received at the Australian Parliament by Speaker of the House Milton Dick. The meeting highlighted the social, cultural, and economic contributions of the Serbian community to Australia and noted the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

In Canberra, the Patriarch visited the Saint Sava Temple and the Novi Kalenić Monastery in Valare. He was greeted by large crowds of the Serbian diaspora, including children from the ‘Saint Sava’ folklore society who presented him with plush koalas.

During his addresses, Patriarch Porfirije emphasized the spiritual unity of the Serbian people regardless of physical borders, stating that the Church remains a single body and organism. He noted that members of the diaspora do not feel like strangers in Australia, as they have built a new life while maintaining their ancestral roots and faith.