Patr. Porfirije Celebrates Feast of St. Nikolai Velimirović at Lelić Monastery
A major Serbian Orthodox celebration in Lelić united thousands to honor St. Nikolai.
LELIĆ, SERBIA — Patr. Porfirije presided over a solemn Divine Liturgy on May 3 at Lelić Monastery, marking the feast of St. Nikolai Velimirovich of Žička and Ohrid. The service coincided with the consecration of the House of St. Bishop Nikolai, a new spiritual and cultural center built at the site where the saint’s relics are venerated. Thousands of faithful gathered alongside hierarchs, clergy, and state representatives.
During the liturgy, the Patriarch elevated Abbot George of Lelić to the rank of archimandrite and delivered a sermon reflecting on faith, suffering, and spiritual healing. Drawing on the Gospel account of the infirm man at Bethesda, he emphasized the enduring relevance of faith in overcoming isolation and hardship, urging believers to cultivate love and unity.
Bp. Hesychije of Valjevo awarded Patr. Porfirije the Order of St. Bishop Nikolai, while benefactors and contributors to the newly completed complex were also honored. The celebration concluded with a visit to Ćelije Monastery.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Serbian Church marked 70 years since the repose of St. Nikolai Velimirović.
