Religion Practices

Serbia's primary religion is Christian Orthodoxy. Besides the Christian Orthodox population, there are also other religious communities in Serbia: Islamic, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and others. The religious diversity in Serbia has left its traces over the centuries as remarkable artistic and cultural masterpieces, erected in the most beautiful areas of Serbia, always impressively respecting and harmonizing with one another.

While the Serbian Orthodox Church is important to many Serbians, there are many people who hold alternative spiritual beliefs. Thus, beliefs derived from the Serbian Orthodox Church must be evaluated on an individual basis. In general, many older Serbians regard the church as an important part of their religious, social, and cultural lives.

Visits to one's local church during major holidays such as Christmas and Easter are common, regardless of spiritual beliefs. Serbian Orthodox churches are frequently filled with vibrantly painted icons, frescoes, and intricate wood carvings, as well as the scent of incense. Serbians follow the Julian calendar, which has Christmas on January 7th.