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On September 1, 2019, the clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church, who are on a pilgrimage to shrines in the Russian North with a blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, visited St. Petersburg Theological Academy to participate in the Divine Liturgy and attend the beginning of academic year act in it.

The Liturgy at the academy’s church of St. John the Theologian was celebrated by Metropolitan Varsonofy of St. Petersburg and Ladoga, Bishop Irinej of Bačka; Bishop Anthony of Moravici, rector of the Moscow representation of the Serbian Orthodox Church; Bishop Nazary of Kronstadt, vicar of the Metropolis of St. Petersburg; Bishop Siluan of Petergof, rector of St. Petersburg Theological Academy. They were assisted by Archpriest Vladan Simič, secretary of the diocese of Bačka; and an assembly of clergy who teach and study in St. Petersburg theological schools.

After the service, a fraternal meeting took place at the academy’s Patriarchal chambers between Bishop Irinej of Bačka and the head of the Metropolis of St. Petersburg, who warmly welcomed the high guest on behalf of the Supreme Authorities of the Russian Orthodox Church and wished him Godspeed in his pilgrimage to shrines in the holy city of St. Peter. The meeting was attended by Bishop Siluan.

During the act on the occasion of the new academic year, Bishop Irinej, in a solemn ceremony, was granted the title of doctor honoris causa of St. Petersburg Theological Academy. The title was awarded him by the Academy’s Academic Council decision of August 30, 2019.

Bishop Irinej delivered a doctor’s lecture on Ways of Serbian Theology Today.

DECR Communication Service