The Serbian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations, tracing its roots back to the early Christian period in the Balkans. It is part of the larger Eastern Orthodox Church and follows the Byzantine liturgical tradition. The church plays a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of the Serbian people, emphasizing the importance of tradition and community. The church is governed by a hierarchy of bishops, with the Patriarch of Serbia as its spiritual leader. It conducts its services in the Serbian language and celebrates various religious holidays, including Christmas and Easter, according to the Julian calendar.