New York, July 24, 2026
Bp. Irinej on the day of his episcopal consecration. Photo: easterndiocese.org His Grace Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Diocese of Eastern America celebrated the 20th anniversary of his episcopal consecration last week.
He was consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand on July 15, 2006, in the Holy Archangel Michael Cathedral in Belgrade at the hands of His Eminence Archbishop Amfilohije of Montenegro and 16 other bishops. He served the Australian Diocese for a decade, until he was appointed as Bishop of Eastern America in 2016.
“Today, offering thanksgiving to our All-Merciful Lord for all His abundant blessings, we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the day on which His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America entered upon the holy and exalted ministry of a Hierarch of the Church of Christ,” the diocese said in a statement on July 15.
“On this joyous day, the fullness of the Diocese of Eastern America offers prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord and extends its heartfelt congratulations to you, its Archpastor, beseeching God to continue strengthening you with His divine grace, granting you bodily health, spiritual strength, wisdom, and unfading joy in your service to Him,” the diocese said, addressing His Grace.
“Throughout these twenty years, following the example of Christ the Good Shepherd, you have labored tirelessly for the salvation of the flock entrusted to your care, sharing both the joys and the burdens of your spiritual children.”
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Bp. Irinej was born on February 6, 1955, in Cleveland. He graduated from St. Tikhon’s Seminary in 1979 and from St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 1982.
He spent much of his career in the field of education, lecturing at Loyola University in Chicago, and at the Theological Faculty of the University of Belgrade.
He was ordained to the diaconate in 1994 and tonsured a monk and ordained a hieromonk in 1995. He was elevated to the rank of archimandrite in 2006. Until his election as Bishop of Australia and New Zealand, he was the Consultant to the Serbian Holy Synod on International and Interchurch Affairs and Coordinator of the newly created Kosovo and Metohija Office of the Serbian Holy Assembly of Bishops.
He was elected Bishop of Australia and New Zealand in May 2006 and consecrated on July 15, 2006.
On October 1, 2016, he was enthroned as Bishop of Eastern America following a decision from the Assembly of Bishops.
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