On the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, which coincided with the feast day of Saint Irinej, Bishop of Bačka, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral in Novi Sad. In his homily, the Patriarch reflected on the life and witness of Saint Irinej Ćirić, marking the 70th anniversary of the saint’s repose.
“Today we commemorate seventy years since the repose in the Lord of Saint Irinej, Bishop of Bačka, a confessor of the faith,” said Patriarch Porfirije. “His entire life was a life in Christ, and the life of Christ was revealed and manifested through him.”
The Patriarch emphasized that, although Bishop Irinej possessed vast theological and worldly knowledge, his true greatness lay in his deep prayer life and humility. “He lived the truth expressed in the saying: ‘If you truly pray, then you are a true theologian; and you are a true theologian if you truly pray.’ In the person of Saint Irinej, we find this unity of faith and action. There was no divide between theory and practice—only one life, expressed in multiple facets, all radiating a single Christ-like image.”
What most distinguished Bishop Irinej, Patriarch Porfirije continued, was his humble service and his willingness to suffer for others. “He lived in difficult times and sought to be everything to everyone. He was prepared to endure humiliation and condemnation to serve his fellow man,” the Patriarch noted.
“Many in this city, in Bačka, Baranja, and Srem, bear witness—through their ancestors—to the love and sacrifice of Saint Irinej, who saved many from the terror of the Hungarian Nazi occupiers. Even after World War II, despite all he had done for his people, he was not only rejected but condemned by those closest to him,” the Patriarch lamented.
“He confessed Christ and lived His Gospel, recognizing Christ as the Savior of our souls and bodies. Saint Irinej saw Christ not only as a companion but became one with Him, in the words of the Apostle Paul: ‘It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,'” concluded Patriarch Porfirije.
The service was part of the wider commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Saint Irinej Ćirić’s passing—a revered bishop, theologian, and spiritual shepherd who lived a Christ-centered life of sacrifice, faith, and unyielding pastoral love.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
