The beginning of a new academic year at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade, on October 9, 2014, was marked by the celebration of the festal Vigil and the Holy Liturgy at the occasion of the feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist St. John the Theologian, patron saint of the Faculty chapel and the Faculty students. The solemn event began on the eve of the feast by a Vigil officiated by several presbyters and deacons in the presence of numerous, monks, nuns, and students.
The Holy Liturgy was celebrated on the day of the feast by His Holiness Kyr Irinej, Serbian Patriarch, with the con-celebration of a number of priests and deacons. The Divine Service was attended by many professors, assistants, staff and students of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology. Patriarch Irinej delivered an inspiring sermon and extended a word of welcome to the new students wishing them a successful academic year.
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 His Holiness Kyr Irinej, Serbian Patriarch, protopresbyter-stavrophoros Predrag Puzović,Th.D., full professor and dean of the Faculty, and Mr. Marko Vesić, president of the Students’ Parliament.