The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Porfirije, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a multi-day visit to Moscow, signaling further deepening of religious and political ties between Serbia and Russia.
According to official statements from the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) and the Kremlin press service, the meeting on April 22 included Bishop Irinej of Bačka and Bishop Antonie of Volokolamsk, head of the Russian Church’s Department for External Relations.
Putin praised the SOC’s contribution to fostering what he described as “traditionally warm and allied” relations between the Serbian and Russian peoples.
“I know that the Serbian Orthodox Church plays an important role in strengthening ties between our peoples, rooted in mutual trust and friendship,” said Putin, according to the Kremlin release.
🔹 Church Unity and Political Symbolism
Patriarch Porfirije also held meetings with Russian Patriarch Kirill, emphasizing longstanding unity between the two Orthodox churches. In a joint statement, both patriarchs praised their “mutual understanding and fraternal support”, reinforcing their shared stance amid broader geopolitical rifts in the Orthodox world.
The SOC notably sided with the Moscow Patriarchate in 2019 in its schism with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople over the recognition of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
🔹 Serbia’s Balancing Act on Ukraine
Despite officially supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Serbia has not imposed sanctions on Russia, maintaining close ties with Moscow — a stance increasingly criticized by Brussels amid Serbia’s EU accession bid.
Putin also used the opportunity to invite Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Vučić previously confirmed on March 7 that he would attend, following a phone call with Putin. This will mark their first face-to-face meeting since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
