Patrijarh Porfirije: Molimo se i za one koji nisu sa dobrom voljom videli poklonjenje pojasu Bogorodice

Patrijarh Porfirije, the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), stated that some individuals did not view the large gathering to venerate the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos with favor. He emphasized the importance of praying for such people, asking for God's mercy upon them and their eventual understanding of truth and justice. The Patriarch explained that harboring hatred is akin to carrying poison, and hatred towards God leads to a spiritual death. He urged believers to overcome negative feelings towards those who criticize, driven by Christ's love and their faith, and to pray for their salvation as they too are icons of God and their brethren. The SPC reported that over 1.1 million people visited the sacred relic during its stay in Belgrade.

This statement highlights the spiritual leadership's perspective on public reaction to religious events and their call for compassion towards critics.