“The news of the passing of the beloved brother, the former Bishop of Zahumlje and Herzegovina, Atanasije (Jevtić), Hierarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church, caused us great sorrow,” Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana said in a statement.
As the Archbishop noted, “The late eminent theologian was notable for his extensive scientific prestige, his unceasing search and offering. He was consistent in the evangelical principles, dynamic in the dialogue with the Serbian intellect.
He contributed to promoting the truth of the Holy Scriptures and the wealth of paternal thought to the people of God, especially in the period of ideological conflicts, in the transitional stage from the trenches of atheist socialism to the modern danger zones of secular capitalism.
The Archbishop went on to say: “We met during his postgraduate studies at the Theological School of the University of Athens and since then we have been together for half a century in various theological pursuits and inter-Orthodox meetings.
A genuine and cheerful character, bold in expressing his views, he conveyed with his presence an awakening spiritual aura. Always keen on a Church that understands and responds to contemporary concerns, he was always interested in strengthening the unity of Orthodoxy and its prophetic presence all over the world. He left a valuable theological legacy.
Extending our sincere condolences to the Patriarchate of Serbia, we offered a Trisagion in the chapel of the Archdiocese of Tirana for the rest of his soul. ‘Blessed are those who die in the Lord.'”
Source: ANA-MPA