Expat Guide: Religious Practices in Serbia

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Serbia, a country in Southeastern Europe, possesses a rich religious history that deeply permeates the culture and daily life of its inhabitants. For expatriates settling in this country, understanding local religious practices is essential for harmonious integration and respecting Serbian customs. This article will guide you through the various aspects of religious life in Serbia, allowing you to better comprehend your new cultural environment.

The Serbian Religious Landscape

Serbia is a predominantly Orthodox Christian country, with approximately 85% of the population declaring themselves members of the Serbian Orthodox Church. This denomination plays a central role in the country’s national and cultural identity. However, Serbia is also home to other religious communities, including:

• Catholics (approximately 5% of the population)
• Muslims (approximately 3% of the population)
• Protestants and Jews (in smaller numbers)

This religious diversity reflects the complex history of the region and offers expatriates a culturally rich environment to discover.

The Impact of Religious Practices on Daily Life

In Serbia, religion, particularly Orthodoxy, influences many aspects of daily life. Here are some key elements to understand:

The Religious Holiday Calendar

The Orthodox calendar sets the rhythm of life in Serbia. Major religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, are celebrated fervently and can affect work schedules and business hours.

It’s important to note that the Serbian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, meaning some holidays are celebrated on different dates than the Gregorian calendar used in most Western countries.

• Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th
• Orthodox Easter can fall several weeks after Easter in the Gregorian calendar
• The Orthodox New Year (or “Serbian New Year”) is celebrated on January 14th

Culinary Traditions Linked to Religion

Religion also influences eating habits in Serbia. The Orthodox Church prescribes several fasting periods throughout the year, particularly before Christmas and Easter. During these periods, many Serbs abstain from consuming animal products.

For expatriates, it’s useful to know these fasting periods, as they can affect menus offered in restaurants and invitations to meals at Serbian friends’ or colleagues’ homes.

Religious Architecture and Heritage

Orthodox churches and monasteries are omnipresent in the Serbian landscape. These buildings are not only places of worship but also important cultural and historical sites. Visiting these places can be an excellent way for expatriates to better understand Serbian history and culture.

When visiting churches or monasteries, it’s important to respect appropriate dress codes: modest attire, covered shoulders, and for women, it’s often requested to cover their heads.

Major Religious Holidays and Their Celebrations

Understanding how major religious holidays are celebrated in Serbia can greatly help expatriates integrate and participate in local cultural life. Here are some of the most important holidays:

Orthodox Christmas (January 7th)

Christmas is an important family holiday in Serbia. Celebrations begin on Christmas Eve (Badnje veče) with specific traditions:

• Lighting the badnjak (oak log)
• A fasting meal composed of vegetarian dishes
• Exchanging wishes and gifts

Christmas Day is marked by religious services and abundant family meals.

Orthodox Easter

Easter is the most important holiday in the Orthodox calendar. Celebrations include:

• Decorating eggs (a very popular tradition)
• Religious services, particularly the Easter vigil
• Family meals with traditional dishes like roasted lamb

Expatriates are often invited to participate in these celebrations, which offers an excellent opportunity to discover Serbian culture from the inside.

Slava

Slava is a tradition unique to Serbia. Each family celebrates its patron saint once a year. This important family celebration involves:

• Preparing a special bread (slavski kolač)
• Welcoming many guests into the home
• Specific prayers and rituals

Religious Freedom in Serbia

The Serbian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Although the Serbian Orthodox Church holds a predominant place in society, other denominations are legally recognized and protected.

For expatriates, this means they are free to practice their own religion, even if it differs from the Orthodox majority.

However, it’s important to note that:

• Some minority denominations may have limited resources in terms of places of worship or established communities
• In small towns or rural areas, religious diversity may be less visible than in Belgrade or other major cities

Resources for Expatriates

For expatriates wishing to practice their own religion or learn more about local practices, several resources are available:

• Foreign embassies in Belgrade can often provide information about religious communities from their home countries
• Expatriate associations are excellent sources of information and support
• The internet and social media allow finding specific religious groups
• Universities and cultural centers sometimes organize conferences or events about religious diversity in Serbia

Conclusion

Understanding religious practices in Serbia is essential for a successful expatriate experience. By respecting local traditions while remaining true to one’s own beliefs, an expatriate can integrate harmoniously into Serbian society and enrich their cultural experience.

The key lies in open-mindedness, mutual respect, and the willingness to learn and share. Serbia, with its rich religious history and growing diversity, offers a unique opportunity to discover how spirituality shapes a culture and society.