Anglican Community in Belgrade celebrated Christmas

On behalf of His Holiness Irinej, the Serbian Patriarch, His Grace Bishop Antonije of Moravica attended the Christmas service. - The Office for Cooperation with Churches and Religuous Communities the Christmas Liturgy was represented by its Deputy Director Marko Nikolic, PhD.

The Anglican Community of St. Mary in Belgrade, which otherwise holds its regular divine services in St. Mary’s Church at Visegradska Street in Belgrade, - observing a rather long tradition, celebrates solemn Christmas and Easter Liturgies in the Patriarchate chapel of Saint Simeon the Myrrh-gusher.

The Liturgy, that began at 22 h on 24 December 2017, on the Eve of the Nativity of Christ (according to the Gregorian calendar), was attended by many faithful despite the fact that some members of this Church community - mainly employees of the diplomatic corps at certain embassies -  on the occasion of Christmas and New Year holidays usually travel back to their home countries. Among others, the service was attended by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Mr. Denis Keefe, and the Ambassador of Indonesia, Mr. Harry Richard James Kandou, with their wives.

Very Reverend Robin Fox, Anglican chaplain in Belgrade, officiated a solemn Mass, and delivered a festal sermon on the topic Peace according to the angelic hymn „Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased“.

His Grace Bishop Antonije of Moravica, Vicar Bishop of Patriarch and head of the Representation of the Serbian Patriarchate in Moscow, greeted the Anglican congregation and wished them joyous feast-days of Christ's Nativity, with the traditional Serbian greeting: Peace of God! Christ is born! – He is born indeed!

The service was attended also by protodeacons Radomir Rakic and Stevan Rapajic, officials of the Serbian Patriarchate.