Centenary of the death of King Peter the First

One century since the death of King Peter I Karadjordjevic, the Liberator King when the Serbian people and Serbian soldier called Chika Pera out of mercy, was marked with prayer and the highest honors on August 16, 2021 in the heart of Sumadija.

In Oplenac, in the church of the Holy Great Martyr George, the founder's church of King Peter, His Holiness Porfirije, Serbian Patriarch celebrated the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy and the memorial service with the concelebration of His Grace Bishop Ignjatije of Branicevo, Arsenije of Nis, former Georgije of Canada and Jovan of Sumadija, as well as priests and deacons from several dioceses of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The singing of the Kragujevac choir of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, as well as the brotherhood of the Cathedral church from Kragujevac, also contributed to the beauty of the Eucharistic gathering. The Crown Prince Alexander with Princess Katherine, Prince Filip and Princess Danica, as well as Prince Mihailo and Princess Ljubica Karadjordjevic also attended the liturgy. Representatives of the state leadership of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, members of the Crown Council, as well as representatives of local authorities were present.

After the reading of the Gospel, His Holiness Porfirije, Serbian Patriarch addressed the pious people of Sumadija with an inspired sermon.

After the prayer, a memorial service was held for the blessed King Peter I Karadjordjevic, followed by a ceremony of laying wreaths at the tomb where the earthly remains of King Peter are buried. On behalf of the President of the Republic of Serbia, the wreath was laid by Mrs. Darija Kisic Tepavcevic, Minister of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs. The program of marking the centenary was completed with an exhibition of the King’s relics and flags in “Peter’s house”.

The gathering continued with a table of love during which the Bishop of Šumadija, Mr. John presented Patriarch Porfirije and hierarchs with gifts for remembrance and prayerful remembrance.

The gathering continued with a table of love during which the Bishop Jovan of Sumadija, presented Patriarch Porfirije and hiearchs with gifts for remembrance and prayerful remembrance.

Source: Diocese of Sumadija