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On 15 November 2014, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia visited the Monastery of Rakovica, the place of the repose of Serbian Patriarchs Dimitrije and Pavle.

This day marked the fifth anniversary of the blessed repose of Patriarch Pavle, and the centenary of his birth was celebrated on September 11.

After the Litia, which was celebrated at their tombs, Patriarch Irinej told those present about life and activities of his predecessors.

Patriarch Kirill also addressed the congregation, saying that the Patriarchal See was restored during the time of Patriarch Dimitrije, who helped many Russian Orthodox Christians, who had come to Serbia after the Revolution and the civil war, to find a new homeland. Also, he gave his blessing to the Russian priests to celebrate in the Serbian Orthodox churches. ‘He was like a father for the Russian emigrants, and we keep a good memory of Patriarch Dimitrije,’ the Primate of the Russian Church added and continued to say:

‘Patriarch Pavle, in is humility, meekness and ability to accept all trials in life without malice and irritation, was an image of Christ the Saviour. I believe that Patriarch Pavle’s example has prompted many people to imitate him in their Christian life. May the Lord rest the souls of the ever-lamented Patriarchs Dimitrije and Pavle in the mansions of the righteous and grant peace, unity and spiritual flourishing to the Serbian Church.’