Belgrade, November 16, 2020
Photo: spc.rs
According to a press release from the Serbian Orthodox Church yesterday, His Holiness Patriarch Irinej experienced symptoms and signs of a worsening of his chronic heart failure yesterday morning.
After receiving the necessary treatment, his condition stabilized, and the medical team at the military hospital in Belgrade continues to closely monitor his situation.
Pat. Irinej, 90, was hospitalized on November 4 after testing positive for the coronavirus, and his health has fluctuated since then.
On Saturday, just before the troubling signs for the Patriarch’s health, Bishop Stephen of Remesiana reported that the Patriarch was even feeling well enough to go home.
“The Patriarch could have been at home today, but we want to be responsible and follow the procedure, staying under supervision for 14 days,” Bp. Stephen said.
He noted that this decision was also made out of a fear that the Patriarch would immediately return to his administrative duties. Pat. Irinej continued celebrating the services and going on pastoral visits throughout the pandemic, while observing the necessary precautions, Bp. Stephen said.
