Church of Saint Sava Hosts Spiritual Event Honoring Holy Unmercenaries

Spiritual Gathering at Iconic Belgrade Landmark

On November 14, 2025, the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade, Serbia, was the setting for a profound spiritual event. The gathering, held in the church's crypt, commemorated the Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers Cosmas and Damian. These revered saints are traditionally recognized as the protectors of doctors, pharmacists, and all medical personnel.

The event was organized by the Missionary Office of the Church of Saint Sava and received the blessing of Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia. It brought together a diverse congregation, including Patriarch Porfirije himself, Bishop Tikhon of Moravica, numerous clergy, and a significant number of doctors, pharmacists, healthcare workers, students, and faithful.

Honoring Service and Faith

The spiritual academy commenced with an opening hymn performed by the Choir of the Church of Saint Sava, under the artistic direction of Dr. Katarina Stanković. Moderator Biljana Obradović welcomed attendees, highlighting the purpose of jointly honoring Saints Cosmas and Damian and giving thanks for those serving humanity in medicine today.

Patriarch Porfirije delivered an archpastoral address, reminding the audience that 'true medicine is unthinkable without sacrificial love for one's neighbor, and that Christ is the most perfect Healer of soul and body, to whom both doctors and every person entrust themselves in moments of weakness.' He encouraged medical professionals to uphold faith, hope, and compassion, even in challenging moments of patient care, bearing witness to the 'light of the Risen Christ.'

The Significance of the Holy Unmercenaries

The Holy Unmercenaries are a group of saints within the Orthodox Christian tradition, known for their healing abilities and for providing medical care without charge. Saints Cosmas and Damian, specifically honored at this event, exemplify this selfless service, understanding their profession as a direct service to God and humanity.

The event concluded with a reception held in the Parish Hall of the Church of Saint Sava, fostering fraternal conversation and fellowship among the clergy, medical professionals, and faithful.

About the Church of Saint Sava

The Church of Saint Sava, located on the Vračar plateau in Belgrade, is one of the largest Orthodox churches globally and the largest in Serbia. Dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, it stands on the site where his remains are believed to have been burned by the Ottomans in 1595. The church's Neo-Byzantine architecture, inspired by the Hagia Sophia, makes it a prominent landmark in Belgrade. With a total height of 82 meters and a central dome weighing 4,000 tons, it can accommodate up to 10,000 faithful. While construction began in 1935 and was largely completed by 2004, interior mosaic decoration remains ongoing.