Science

Bishop Jovan of Nis at International Conference in Varna

His Grace Bishop Dr. Jovan of Nis participated in the 19th International Conference on the theme Traditional Values and Democratic Freedoms in Modern World, in Varna beginning on 18 February 2013. After the introductory address, in which he conveyed warm greetings from both Serbian Patriarch Irinej and the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Bishop Jovan  delivered a lecture on the theme: Saint John Chrysostom: Liturgical Ethos and Modernity.

Homily on the Meeting of the Lord

What a tender scene the Meeting of the Lord shows us! The venerable elder Simeon, holding the infant God in his hands, on either side of him are the righteous Joseph and the Most Holy Mother of God. Not far away is the Prophetess Anna, an eighty-year-old faster and woman of prayer. Their eyes are all directed toward the Savior. Their attention is absorbed by Him and they drink in spiritual sweetness from Him, which feeds their souls. You can judge for yourself how blessed was the state of these souls!

However, brethren, we are called not only to think about this blessedness, but also to taste it in reality, for all are called to have and carry the Lord in themselves, and to disappear in Him with all the powers of their spirit. When we have reached that state, then our blessedness will be no lower than that of those who participated in the Meeting of the Lord. They were blessed who saw it; we shall be blessed who have not seen, but believed. Pay attention. I will show you briefly how to achieve this. Here is what you should do.

Serbian House of Studies to be Founded at Seminary

St. Vladimir's Seminary (SVOTS) and the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at the University of Belgrade have made a formal agreement to work together with the aim of establishing a Serbian House of Studies on the campus of St. Vladimir's Seminary. The House of Studies has several goals, including the promotion of sustained dialogue and educational exchanges between Orthodox Christians in America and Serbia.

The Life Of St. Xenia Of Petersburg

St. Xenia was the wife of Colonel Andrei Feodorovich Petrov, who served as a court chanter. At the age of 26, Xenia was widowed and, appeared to have lost her mind from grief: she distributed her possessions to the poor, dressed herself in the clothes of her reposed husband, and, as if having forgotten her own name, called herself by the name of her reposed husband - Andrei Feodorovich.

These eccentricities were not indicative of a loss of reason, however, but signified a complete disdain for earthly goods and human opinion, which places them at the center of existence. Thus, Xenia of Petersburg took upon herself the difficult podvig of foolishness for Christ's sake.

Having come to know the inconstancy of earthly happiness through the death of her beloved husband, Xenia strove toward God with all her heart, and sought protection and comfort only in Him. Earthly, transitory goods ceased to have any value for her. Xenia had a house; but gave it over to an acquaintance under the condition that it be used to shelter paupers. But Xenia herself, not having a refuge, would wander among the paupers of Petersburg. At night she would go out to a field, where she spent the time in ardent prayer.

Solemn academy at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology

Professors and students of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology of the University in Belgrade prayerfully celebrated their Patron Saint-day – the feast day of Saint Sava, Serbian Archbishop.

In the presence of many students, professors and guests, a number of priests celebrated the Holy Hierarchal Liturgy at the side chapel of John the Theologian. Following the Liturgy there was the Saint Sava Academy, which was blessed and opened by His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch.

Reestablishment of Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association

With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council, we  announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association (SOTAYA). The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers, young adults, and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America. It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship.

Read full Press Release here.