The Start of the New Academic Year
October 9, 2013
The start of the new academic year was marked at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade on October 09, 2013 by the celebration of the feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist St. John the Theologian, patron of the Faculty chapel and of the Faculty students. The solemn event began on the eve of the Feast by a Vigil officiated by His Grace Kyr Maxim, the Right Reverend Bishop of Western America, and concelebrated by several presbyters and deacons in the presence of numerous students.
The Holy Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace Kyr Irinej, the Right Reverend Bishop of the Metropolitanate of Australia-New Zealand with the con-celebration of His Grace Kyr Jovan, the Right Reverend Bishop of Lipljan, and a number of priests and deacons. The Divine Service was also attended by His Grace Kyr Maxim, the Right Reverend Bishop of Western America, Mr. Mileta Radivojević, Director of the Office for Cooperation with Churches and Religious Communities of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, together with many guests and students of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology. Bishop Irinej delivered an inspiring sermon on the necessity of emulating the example of St. John’s theological ministry within the Church.
After the Holy Liturgy, the start of the new academic year was marked by a brief welcoming ceremony in the great amphitheatre of the Faculty. New students were greeted with warm words of welcome delivered by protopresbyter-staurophoros Predrag Puzovic,Th.D., full professor and dean of the Faculty, and Ms Ksenija Končarević, D. Philol., full professor, vice-dean for curriculum.
