Belgrade, January 23, 2020
Photo: spc.rs
The hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Serbian Orthodox Church are marking a three-fold celebration in honor of His Holiness Patriarch Irinej.
The Serbian primate reached his 60th anniversary as a monk, his 45th anniversary as a bishop, and his 10th anniversary as Patriarch of the Serbian Church at the same time, reports the press service of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The joyous occasions were celebrated in the ceremonial hall of the Serbian Patriarchate in Belgrade yesterday, January 22.
Photo: spc.rs
A photo monograph about his activities as Patriarch was presented in 10 volumes, with 15,000 photos. A one-hour documentary on the life of Pat. Irinej was also shown, and can be viewed below (in Serbian):
The celebration was attended by Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic, Vicar Bishop Stefan of Remesiana, Catholic Archbishop of Belgrade Stanislav Hocevar with his secretary, Director of the Office for Cooperation with Churches and Religious Communities Dr. Mileta Radojevic, a high dignitary of the Islamic Community, high representatives of the Serbian armed forces and police, educational and health institutions, the cultural and public life of the capital and the clergy of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovac.
Photo: spc.rs
Pat. Irinej noted that he was greatly surprised by the event, as he had been expecting only a showing of the film to a small group.
“This is really a big surprise to me and I am grateful for all this,” he said, adding that we live in a time when it is not easy to be in a high position, but for the past 10 years he has done everything in his power to lead the Church the right way.
