His Holiness Porfirije, Serbian Patriarch, delivered a lecture on April 20, 2026, on the occasion of the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ (Easter) in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Law of the University of Banja Luka.

His Holiness emphasized that education— with the university as its crown—represents both the present and the future of a nation and a state.

“Schools are, of course, places where skills and knowledge essential for society and the state are acquired. At the same time, they are also places where those who will shape the cultural direction and identity of a nation and a state are formed in ethical and cultural terms,” said Porfirije, Serbian Patriarch.

Addressing young people, as well as all those present, His Holiness stressed the importance of striving first and foremost to be good people, understanding that everyone can and should grow, improve themselves, and advance in virtue and in everything that brings joy to God.

“If we have this awareness and such an attitude—that we should strive to bring joy to the Lord—then it is certain that everything concerning our everyday lives and the horizontal dimension of our existence must be fulfilled with integrity and with positive values,” the Patriarch said, adding that this implies not wishing upon others anything that one would not wish for oneself.

His Holiness further emphasized that these values include success, joy, peace, beauty, and love.

“Only in that case can we ourselves be filled, first and foremost, with peace and a sense of purpose in life; when we have this, everything else is added in the measure we need and at the time when we need it,” the Patriarch added.

The Rector of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, stated that for the first time in its 50 years of existence, the University had the opportunity to host a Serbian Patriarch, which represents a special honor.

Expressing confidence that the meeting would contribute to further strengthening ties between educational and other social institutions, the Rector thanked His Holiness for his visit and the attention shown to the University of Banja Luka, expressing hope that such meetings would encourage new forms of cooperation in the future.

Among those attending the lecture at the Faculty of Law were Prof. Draga Mastilović, PhD, Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska; Prof. Željko Budimir, PhD, Minister of Interior; Draško Stanivuković, Mayor of Banja Luka; Sava, Bishop of Marča; clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church; and representatives of public and social life.

Prior to the lecture, His Holiness met with Rector Gajanin and Ministers Mastilović and Budimir, as well as with the leadership of the Faculty of Law and Ranko Škrbić, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Banja Luka.

Just to remind you, this visit and lecture were organized within the Students’ Days at the University of Banja Luka.

Photo: D. Desnica