Bishops visit affected areas of the Diocese of Zvornik-Tuzla

Their Graces Bishops Georgije of Canada, Longin of New Gracanica-Midwestern America, Atanasije of Bihac-Petrovac and Teodosije of Raska-Prizren, accompanied by competent Bishop Hrizostom of Zvornik-Tuzla, visited the affected areas in the Diocese of Zvornik-Tuzla yesterday on 20 May 2014. On this occasion bishops brought necessary humanitarian aid.

Serbian Patriarch Irinej in Obrenovac

His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch visited  Obrenovac yesterday, where he met with the members of the Crisis Staff for Obrenovac protection. 

His Holiness was accompanied by Bishop Teodosije of Raska-Prizren and presbyter Vladimir Markovic, coordinator for aid collection for the the afflicted in the floods.

President of Republika Srpska at the Serbian Patriarchate

His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch and members of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church talked with President of the Republic of Srpska Mr. Milorad Dodik at the Serbian Patriarchate on 17 May 2014.

President Dodik informed the Patriarch and Bishops about the serious consequences of catastrophic floods which hit the Republic of Srpska.

Video material: FoNET

Appeal of the Holy Assembly of Bishops

The appeal of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church to all priesthood, monks and faithful people, as well as to all the people of good will

Deeply concerned and grief-stricken, but also filled with unshakable faith in love and grace of God, we address all priesthood, monks and faithful people of our Holy Church, as well as all the people of good will, on the occasion of the disastrous floods and terrible suffering of numerous families in Serbia, Republic of Srpska and the whole region. And we call upon everyone, and above all upon our clergy, to show both Christian and human solidarity with all the victims and the affected, to actively and committedly participate in the defense of settlements and vitally important objects from the destructive element, and to provide shelter, aid in food, clothing and medicines, finances and any other support for their neighbours.

In particular, we urge priests and monks to multiply their prayers, to perform daily prayers of supplication during the forthcoming days of heavy rains and to be front row with those who testify Christ’s love by helping the rescue of the suffering brothers and sisters. As a good example we would like to point out relentless rescue of the people performed by the state leadership and civil services (army, police, gendarmerie and others), as well as by all our citizens who participate voluntarily in this God-pleasing and noble action, often exposing their lives to danger.

Appeal of His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej

The disaster that has affected the territory of Serbia and of the countries in the region, incites us all to foster Christian compassion and brotherly, selfless aid.

We call upon all the professionals and  all the people who are able and willing to help, to contact headquarters and representatives of state and local authorities in their places of residence and to make themselves available for the rescue of human lives and protection from floods.

We call upon clergy, the faithful and all the people of good will in Belgrade to begin collecting food, clothes, shoes and bedclothes in all the churches, starting from tomorrow morning. The aid will be collected as long as needed.

At the same time, We ask all the people of good will in the country and abroad to join in an organized manner and help in one’s own way in fighting against this distress that befell us unexpectedly.

Serbian Patriarch Irinej

Prayer of supplication for the cessation of the rain served

His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch, in the presence of bishops of our Holy Church gathered at the session of the Holy Assembly of Bishops, officiated  the prayer of supplication for the cessation of the rain at the Belgrade's Cathedral church yesterday.