Also in attendance were Dr Andrej Jeftić, WCC Faith and Order director; His Eminence Ignatije, Metropolitan of Braničevo, member of the Holy Synod; His Grace Ilarion, auxiliary Bishop of Novo Brdo; Very Rev Archimandrite Nektarije Đurić, Secretary of the Holy Synod; Very Rev Fr. Đorđe Stojisavljevic, Chief of Office of the Serbian Patriarch; Mr Nikola Mutavdžić, officer of the Holy Synod for Inter-church relations; and Olivera Jovanović, editor-in-chief of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s journal Pravoslavlje. His Holiness began the conversation by expressing his gratitude to the general secretary for his visit and reaffirmed the Serbian Orthodox Church's commitment to the work of the WCC. “We strongly believe that dialogue is a part of the very nature of the church,” His Holiness stated, emphasizing the challenges the world faces today and praising the WCC for the witness it offers on behalf of the Christian world amidst these challenges. The general secretary expressed his thanks for the warm hospitality and praised the longstanding commitment of the Serbian Orthodox Church to the work of the WCC. Providing an overview of the current activities and challenges the WCC faces, Pillay highlighted unity and justice as the two most important aspects of its work. He explained that the purpose of his visit was to strengthen the fellowship and to visibly express solidarity with the Serbian Orthodox Church, particularly in light of the challenges it faces in Kosovo and Metohija. “Your struggle is our struggle,” declared Pillay, adding that on the Pilgrimage of justice, Reconciliation, and Unity that the WCC has committed to, “we are co-pilgrims journeying together.” He emphasized the WCC’s unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and solidarity with churches around the world, especially in conflict areas. He gave details of some of the WCC's work in peacemaking in Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, Sudan, Colombia, and other parts of the world. He emphasized that while we live in the real world and, as Christians, we are influenced by what happens around us, it is essential to ask what it means to be church in such challenging times, preserving our Christian witness and spirituality. In response, His Holiness underscored that Christians live in the world but are “not of the world,” stressing that in working for peace, we must first make peace with God, and that “we first have to pray” in whatever we do. His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije expressed deep appreciation for the WCC’s efforts. “You have touched the most vulnerable wounds of humanity—all of us share,” he remarked. His Holiness also emphasized the importance of humility and prayer in the church’s work, saying, “As a church, we do our best. We know our limitations and our capacity. And we are humble about it.” He further highlighted the need for the church to focus on its spiritual mission rather than becoming entangled in daily political matters. The discussions addressed various aspects of inter-church relations and the current challenges that churches are facing globally. In closing, the general secretary reassured the Serbian Orthodox Church of the WCC's continued support and solidarity. "You are not alone," he said. "We are brothers and sisters in Christ. And we walk with you. You are a part of a wider church family." This meeting has reaffirmed the deep bonds between the World Council of Churches and the Serbian Orthodox Church, strengthening the fellowship and paving the way for continued collaboration in addressing the ecclesial, spiritual, and social challenges of our time. The WCC general secretary has continued his visit to Serbia by visiting the St Sava Church, where he was hosted by protodeacon Mladen Kovačević, and met with the Mr Stefan Zeljković, member of the WCC central committee; Prof. Dr Rastko Jović, member of the WCC Just Community for Women and Men Reference Group; as well as with professors and students of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology of the University of Belgrade. Photo gallery WCC general secretary opens exhibition and meets with the member churches in Serbia - WCC news release, 4 September 2024 WCC general secretary to visit member churches in Serbia - WCC news release, 2 September 2024 | 
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