Belgrade, November 19, 2019
Photo: spc.rs
The memory of His Holiness Patriarch Pavle of Serbia of thrice-blessed memory was commemorated on Friday, November 15, on the 10th anniversary of his blessed repose.
On that day, a Divine Liturgy and panikhida were served in Pat. Pavle’s memory by His Grace Bishop Stephan of Remesiana at Rakovica Monastery in Belgrade, where the Patriarch’s holy relics lie in repose, reports the site of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The memorial services were held with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia and the participation of several priests and deacons.
Photo: spc.rs
The patriarch is remembered as a true, humble servant of Christ. “It is well known that, even when taking up his high-ranking position, continued his ascetic podvigs and strove to live modestly—although for him this was all quite natural, without any deliberate affectation. He went around town by foot or took regular public transportation among the throngs of people, was not acquisitive, and ate as little as the ancient desert fathers—simply because that was the way he was,” writes Yuri Maximov.
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His Holiness Patriarch Pavle (Stojčević ) of Serbia (September 11, 1914-November 15, 2009) lived a long life full of Christian asceticism. His simplicity, meekness, and humility, combined with his strict asceticism inspired the love that millions of believers had for him during his lifetime. Many already considered him a living saint, and after his repose, faith in the holiness of Patriarch Pavle is growing ever more and strengthening in the hearts of the faithful. Today marks the 10th anniversary of his falling asleep in the Lord.
