His Holiness Serbian Patriarch kyr Porfirije arrived today in the noon hours at the Monastery of Gračanica.

In front of the ancient Serbian holy place, the Patriarch and his entourage were welcomed by His Grace Bishop of Raška-Prizren kyr Teodosije. Immediately upon arrival, Patriarch Porfirije prayerfully participated in the festive vigil service held in the monastery church.

Accompanying His Holiness are Their Graces Bishops: Sava of Marča, Ilarion of Novo Brdo, Nektarije of Jegar, and Petar of Toplica, as well as the Very Reverend Archimandrite Danilo, the Director of the Patriarchal Administrative Office, and Proto-Deacon Radomir Vrućinić, the Rector of the Saint Sava Seminary in Belgrade.

Tomorrow, on Vidovdan (Saint Vitus Day), His Holiness Serbian Patriarch kyr Porfirije will preside over the Holy Liturgy at the Monastery of Gračanica, where, in accordance with the decision of the competent Bishop of Raška-Prizren Teodosije, due to the lack of basic security conditions, the traditional Vidovdan memorial service will also be held.

As announced in the statement of the Diocese of Raška-Prizren in the previous days, considering the very difficult situation on Kosovo and Metohija, where our people currently live in a state of security uncertainty and complete absence of basic rights and freedoms, especially after the recent series of arrests and mistreatment of detained Serbs, the competent Hierarch – Bishop Teodosije, has made the decision, with full pastoral responsibility, to hold the Vidovdan memorial service, which has traditionally been held for years in front of the monument to Kosovo heroes at Gazimestan, this year at the Monastery of Gračanica after the Holy Liturgy.