American and Serbian Clergy Unite in Prayer at Lelić Monastery

Photo: easterndiocese.org

LELIĆ, SERBIA — Clergy and faithful from the United States and Serbia gathered at Lelić Monastery on June 6 for a liturgical celebration honoring the legacy of St. Nikolai Velimirovic, whose birthplace and monastery remain among the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Archpriest John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, addressed the congregation during the Divine Liturgy, reflecting on the deep ties between St. Tikhon’s Monastery in Pennsylvania and St. Nikolai. “It is a great honor for us to be in this holy temple, in the holy monastery built by St. Nikolai,” he said. “We have a great saint among us. St. Nikolai was born in this village, and he died in our ‘village.’” He also recalled receiving a portion of the saint’s relics at the seminary and described the pilgrimage as a deeply moving experience.

Speaking on the day’s Gospel reading from Matthew 5:42–48, Fr. John emphasized St. Nikolai's teaching on loving enemies. “St. Nikolai said that our enemies truly reveal who we are,” he said, adding that the saint encouraged Christians to pray that God would “multiply our enemies and bless them,” since such trials provide opportunities for spiritual growth. He also repeated St. Nikolai’s description of enemies as “cruel friends” who help bring believers closer to God.

At the conclusion of the gathering, Abp. Michael presented Archimandrite Georgije with a gift from St. Tikhon’s Seminary and spoke about St. Nikolai's example of universal love. “He loved Serbia, he loved this place. He also loved America, because he actually loved everything,” the Archbishop said. “Love is something that can be multiplied.” He also pointed to the recent veneration of the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos in Serbia, noting that “nearly one million people came to venerate this relic” as evidence of the nation’s enduring faith.

Archimandrite Georgije welcomed the American delegation on behalf of Bp. Isihije of Valjevo and the monastery brotherhood. “We are grateful for your love and sacrifice, and for the prayers you offered here,” he said. He described St. Nikolai and Venerable Justin of Ćelije as “two pillars of Orthodoxy” and called it “a great mercy of God that two Saints are found in one village.”

Following the services, the visitors toured the House of St. Nikolai and the saint’s birthplace, both closely associated with his life and missionary work.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Porfirije bid an emotional farewell to the Belt of the Theotokos.

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