On May 3, 2026, the Serbian Orthodox Church solemnly celebrated the feast of Saint Bishop Nikolaj of Žiča and Ohrid with a festive Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of Lelić, the saint’s endowment and the resting place of his holy relics. The service was presided over by His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, in the presence of numerous hierarchs, clergy, monastics, state officials, and thousands of faithful who gathered in prayerful devotion.
Concelebrating with the Patriarch were many bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, while Metropolitan Fotije of Zvornik-Tuzla participated prayerfully alongside a large assembly of clergy and believers. The occasion was further marked by the blessing of the newly completed House of Saint Nikolaj, a spiritual, educational, and cultural center dedicated to continuing the legacy of the great Serbian hierarch.
During the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Porfirije elevated the abbot of the Monastery of Lelić, Father Georgije, to the rank of archimandrite, recognizing his devoted service and leadership. In his homily, delivered after the Gospel reading on the healing of the paralytic, the Patriarch reflected on the enduring spiritual significance of Saint Nikolaj, whom he described as one of the greatest Serbian saints after Saint Sava.
Drawing parallels between the Gospel narrative and contemporary life, the Patriarch emphasized the loneliness and spiritual struggles of modern humanity, often marked by selfishness and a lack of compassion. He noted that many people today feel abandoned, lacking someone to understand or support them, yet fail to consider their own relationship with others. He reminded the faithful that even in moments of despair, Christ and His saints remain a source of healing and hope for those who approach with faith.
Patriarch Porfirije highlighted Saint Nikolaj as a shining example of spiritual unity, a figure who harmonized prayer and intellect, bridging diverse ideologies and bringing together the faith of ordinary people with profound theological thought. He described Lelić as a new “Bethesda,” a place of spiritual healing where the faithful continue to find comfort and renewal.
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Bishop Isihije of Valjevo awarded Patriarch Porfirije the Order of Saint Nikolaj in recognition of his selfless love for the Church and the faithful. The same distinction was bestowed upon Archimandrite Georgije for his dedicated efforts in completing the construction of the House of Saint Nikolaj.
The celebration continued with hymns performed by a choir of clergy and theological students, adding to the solemn and joyful atmosphere. After the festivities, Patriarch Porfirije visited the Monastery of Ćelije, where he venerated the relics of Saint Justin of Ćelije, concluding a day filled with spiritual reflection, unity, and reverence for the rich heritage of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
