Patriarch Porfirije received a delegation from Cyprus in Belgrade
Conversations about pilgrimages, church cooperation and current challenges in the region.
In Belgrade, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije received Cypriot Bishop Grigorios of Mesaoria together with Cyprus' Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis. The background of the meeting was the International Tourism Fair, where Cyprus appears as a guest of honor this year. The focus of the exchange was on the connections between the Serbian and Cypriot Churches as well as topics related to religious tourism. This was reported by Orthodox Times. The guests from Cyprus conveyed greetings from Archbishop Georgios and reported on current problem situations, particularly regarding obstacles in the use of churches in areas not under the control of the Republic as well as the consequences of regional tensions for tourism and pilgrimages.
Patriarch Porfirije emphasized the necessity of enhanced cooperation between the pilgrimage centers of both Churches, a concern that was supported by the Cypriot side. He also addressed the situation of the Serbian Church in Kosovo and Metohija and thanked Cyprus for its support of Serbia's territorial integrity. The meeting highlighted the close interconnection of ecclesiastical, cultural, and socio-political developments in the region.
Previously, UOJ reported that the Archbishop of Albania spoke in an interview about faith, fear, and prayer.
