Bp. Irinej Reflects on Serbian Diaspora During America's 250th Anniversary

NEW YORK — As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Bp. Irinej of Washington, New York, and Eastern America has reflected on the history of the Serbian diaspora, arguing that the Serbian Orthodox Church has been the central institution preserving the faith, culture, and identity of Serbian immigrants while helping them establish new lives in America.

His July 4 message traces more than two centuries of Serbian contributions to the nation, emphasizing that the Church has united generations of immigrants while encouraging them to participate fully in American society. He said that the Church "has been, and remains, the sole guarantor of a strong community, the foundation of life, and the guardian of the Orthodox faith and our national traditions—in other words, of Serbian identity."

The reflection begins with early Serbian immigration, highlighting Đorđe Šagić (George Fisher), who arrived in 1814 and later served in the Texas Revolution and held several public offices. Bp. Irinej also points to St. Sebastian of Jackson, born in California in 1863, who established the first Serbian Orthodox church in the United States and founded numerous parishes across the country. He credits St. Nicholai Velimirović and St. Mardarije of Libertyville and All-America with laying the foundations of the Serbian Orthodox Church's organized ministry in North America through missionary work and the establishment of the first American-Canadian Diocese.

The bishop also recalls the achievements of prominent Serbian Americans, including inventor Nikola Tesla, scientist Mihailo Pupin, humanitarian Jelena Lozanić Frothingham, participants in the Halyard Mission during World War II, members of NASA's "Serbian Seven," and public servants Helen Delich Bentley and George Voinovich. Drawing on his own experience representing the Serbian Orthodox Church in Washington, D.C., he recounts efforts to advocate for Serbian interests, including organizing Serbian America Leadership Conferences and helping secure protection for the monasteries of Gračanica and Visoki Dečani during the 2004 unrest in Kosovo.

Our "fathers and mothers of the diaspora" recognized in their hearts that faith without freedom can exist, but freedom without faith cannot endure.

Concluding his message, Bp. Irinej reflects on his participation in national events, including offering the opening prayer before the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 and addressing the 2026 March for Life in Washington. He says the history of the Serbian diaspora demonstrates that faith has enabled generations of immigrants to preserve their identity while embracing their adopted homeland, adding that lasting freedom depends upon a foundation of faith.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Serbian diocese launched an appeal to support Orthodox faithful in Venezuela.