Bishop Irinej of Backa officiated the Holy Liturgy in the St. George’s church in Novi Sad on December 19, 2020, on the feast of St. Nicholas of Myra.
Bishop Isihije of Mohacs, Archimandrite Serafim (Baltic), a brother of the monastery of New Grachanica, as well as the clergy of the Cathedral church and the deacons of the Diocese of Backa concelebrated to the Bishop. After reading the Gospel pericope, Bishop Irinej said that the person of Saint Nicholas is a rule of faith, an example of fidelity to God and zeal for the faith:
“He is a pattern, example or model for meekness, for gentleness, for kindness, for mercy, for all the gospel virtues that the Lord speaks about. It is especially known that this wonderful benefactor of God helped the poor a lot, it is important at all times. Even today, we should not think that because of the so-called modern standard, people are not poor. On the contrary.
Even today we need to be merciful, compassionate, filled with love for the hungry or the poor, and even more for the poor in spirit, to feed not only people who need bread, water and basic necessities, but to feed, as much as we can, the hungry and thirsty of God’s justice, the Kingdom of Heaven, and if we receive or gain it, then everything else is added, according to the words of Christ Himself.
St. Nicholas showed all this with his example, and that is why the Lord glorified him with the miracle-working of his holy relics, and his diligent, prayerful help and presence wherever Christians call on his name to pray to God for them. His holy relics have been preserved to this day, they are located in the city of Bari, in the south of Italy. May the prayers and gracious help of Saint Nicholas be with all of us and with all who celebrate him.”
Source: Serbian Orthodox Church
