Serbian Orthodox Celebrate St. Mardarije of Libertyville at His Birthplace

Photo: Serbian Orthodox Church

PODGORICA — On the feast day of St. Mardarije of Lješanska-Libertyville and All America, His Grace Bsp. Pajsije of Dioclea presided at the Hierarchical Liturgy at the Church of St. George in Kornet, the birthplace of the revered saint.

Joined by local clergy, Bishop Pajsije blessed the festal bread and wheat before addressing the faithful congregation. He described the rugged Montenegrin land as fertile soil that has produced heroes and saints, whose spiritual roots reach toward heaven, nourished by divine grace.

Highlighting St. Mardarije's journey from Kornet through Cetinje and Russia to America, the Bishop praised his missionary work. As the first Serbian Orthodox bishop in North America, St. Mardarije preached Christ's Gospel tirelessly, established a monastery dedicated to St. Sava, and built a spiritual community among the diaspora.

Bsp. Pajsije urged the faithful to pray to St. Mardarije for strengthened faith, love for God, neighbors, homeland, and divine commandments. He concluded with prayers for the saint's parents, Petar and Jela, and blessings of health and salvation for all present.

Earlier this year, the UOJ reported on celebrations for 100th anniversary of the establishment of St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville.

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