As part of the activities of the External Mission Section of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade–Karlovci, a regular monthly lecture in English was held on Thursday, 6 August 2026, within the framework of the NevskyTalks project. The discussion was dedicated to the topic “Saint Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia: Life, Work, and Legacy” and brought together numerous foreign nationals living in Belgrade who are interested in learning more about Orthodox Christianity.
The lecture was delivered by Prof. Christopher Lockwood, PhD, who earned his doctorate in Orthodox Theology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. An Orthodox theologian, he has taught at the master’s level at the University of St. Katherine and is the author of numerous scholarly papers and studies on symbolism in the Orthodox tradition. In his presentation, he introduced the audience to the life of Saint Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia, his spiritual experience, pastoral ministry, and the enduring significance of his teachings for contemporary life.
At the beginning of the event, Nektarios Mina-Guevara welcomed the participants with introductory remarks. He subsequently moderated the discussion and, at the conclusion of the lecture, led the question-and-answer session with the participants.
In the introductory part of his lecture, Prof. Lockwood reflected on the life of Elder Porphyrios and his profound desire to go to Mount Athos in order to dedicate his entire life to the Lord. He noted that the future saint attempted on three occasions to reach Mount Athos, finally succeeding at the age of only twelve. He received the monastic tonsure at the age of fourteen. Prof. Lockwood also spoke about the meaning of the name Porphyrios and its imperial connotations, observing that a name often reflects a person’s character and spiritual calling. He particularly emphasized that everything that happens to us takes place according to God’s providence and that it is therefore essential to accept God’s will with trust and to entrust ourselves to His guidance.
Reflecting on the personality of Elder Porphyrios, he emphasized that the Elder was a spiritual father who received people with love, blessed them, and bore witness to the Gospel through his own life.
In the continuation of his presentation, Prof. Lockwood devoted particular attention to humility as one of the most remarkable virtues of Elder Porphyrios. Speaking about the importance of obedience in the spiritual life, he emphasized that it is precisely through obedience that a person acquires true humility. In this context, he also recalled the words of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica: “Humility is a divine attribute and the perfection of the Christian life. It is attained through obedience. One who is not obedient cannot attain humility.”
At the conclusion of the lecture, Presbyter Dr. Oliver Subotić, Head of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade–Karlovci, addressed the participants, welcomed those present, and thanked them for their participation, emphasizing the importance of such gatherings for the Church’s missionary work among foreign nationals.
As at previous Nevsky Talks gatherings, the lecture was followed by an open discussion, during which the participants raised numerous questions concerning Orthodox spirituality, the life of the Church, and contemporary challenges to Christian witness. The gathering continued in an informal atmosphere, with conversation and an exchange of experiences.
Once again, the lecture welcomed a number of new participants, attesting to the considerable interest in the NevskyTalks project. Among those present were guests from various parts of the world, including Uganda, Russia, Australia, and Mexico.
The lecture was also attended by Deacon Aleksandar Jekić, who is responsible for catechetical ministry at the Church of Saint Stefan of Dečani in Gothenburg. On this occasion, he expressed his interest in establishing future cooperation with the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade–Karlovci.
The NevskyTalks project continues to represent an important aspect of the missionary work of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade–Karlovci among foreign nationals living in Belgrade, providing them with an opportunity to become acquainted with the Orthodox faith, spiritual tradition, and the life of the Church through lectures, dialogue, and personal fellowship.
PHOTOS: Missionary Department of the AEM
