On 29 June 2026, His Holiness Serbian Patriarch kyr Porfirije met at the Parish House of the church of Saint Sava on Vračar with the professors and participants of the 15th class of the Advanced Security and Defence Studies programme, conducted within the National Defence School "Vojvoda Radomir Putnik" of the University of Defence.
 
The Patriarch extended a warm welcome to the participants, who hold responsible positions in the state institutions of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, the Serbian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence, as well as various institutions of other countries. The delegation was led by professors of the National Defence School: Colonel Zoran Jekić, Colonel Srđan Zgonjanin, and Lieutenant Colonel Dejan Petrović.
 
Congratulating the guests on the successful completion of their studies, His Holiness emphasized the great importance of their vocation and the responsibility they bear in a time marked by numerous challenges, including those related to security. The Patriarch stressed that, above all, what matters most is inner, spiritual security, which is founded upon faith and one's own identity.
 
– If we are not spiritually secure, we cannot be certain that we will not lose everything else. Had we, as a people, not adhered to this principle throughout the centuries, we would not exist today. By preserving a firm spiritual identity, we have survived various historical trials, periods of subjugation, and suffering, and have endured to the present day. Yesterday's feast of Vidovdan and Saint Prince Lazar remind us precisely that the most important choice is to embrace eternal values, the Kingdom of Heaven, for from that choice springs the strength to preserve the freedom and dignity of the people – the Patriarch said.
 
During the remainder of the meeting, His Holiness inquired about the work of the National Defence School, the curriculum of the Advanced Security and Defence Studies programme, and the future professional engagements of its participants. Colonel Srđan Zgonjanin provided him with a detailed overview of these matters.
 
Expressing gratitude for the Patriarch's blessing and warm reception, Colonel Zgonjanin, speaking on behalf of the teaching staff and participants, stated that it was a great honour for them to have had the opportunity to meet with the Patriarch and hear his pastoral counsel.
 
– To stand at the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church and to provide spiritual leadership to one's people has always been a great and demanding ministry. We wish Your Holiness good health, and we ask you to continue praying for our people – Colonel Zgonjanin said.
 
Also present at the meeting was Protopresbyter Đorđe Stojisavljević, Head of the Office of the Serbian Patriarch.