Patron Saint-day of Republika Srpska

His Holiness Porfirije, the Serbian Patriarch, officiated the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy in the Cathedral church of Christ the Saviour in Banja Luka on 9 January 2022, on the feast day of Holy First Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen (phоto gallery).

The Patriarch was concelebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral and His Grace Bishop Jefrem of Banja Luka in the prayerful presence of Their Graces Bishops Pahomije of Vranje, Fotije of Zvornik-Tuzla, Jovan of Slavonia, Sergije of Bihac-Petrovac, and many believers among which were President of Republika Srpska Zeljka Cvijanovic, Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Radovan Viskovic, the Serbian member of the BiH Presidency Milorad Dodik, Mayor of Banja Luka Drasko Stanivukovic.

At the end of the Holy Liturgy, Bishop Jefrem thanked Patriarch Porfirije for the shown love and visit Banja Luka to celebrate the Holy Archdeacon Stephen together and to pray for the Serbian people and Republika Srpska. After the sermon, Patriarch Porfirije blessed the slava gifts brought by the President of Republika Srpska.