Thousands of faithful from Serbia and abroad gathered at the Monastery of Ćelije on June 14 to celebrate the feast of St. Justin Popović, one of the most influential Serbian Orthodox theologians and spiritual fathers of the 20th century.
The festive Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Dabar-Bosnia, concelebrating with several hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church, including Metropolitan Irinej of Bačka, a spiritual disciple of St. Justin, as well as numerous clergy.
In his homily, Metropolitan Irinej reflected on the profound spiritual legacy of St. Justin, describing him as “a prophet of his time” whose voice inspired generations of Orthodox Christians. He recalled the saint’s prayerful life, his powerful preaching, and his unwavering witness to Christ despite the hardships and restrictions imposed during the communist era.
“Everyone wanted to hear what Father Justin had to say,” Metropolitan Irinej said. “He was a prophet of his time who, in this monastery, cried out to God unceasingly in prayer.”
The Metropolitan emphasized that St. Justin’s theological works, particularly his renowned Dogmatics, continue to inspire Orthodox believers around the world. He also highlighted the spiritual revival of the Serbian people, noting that figures such as St. Justin Popović and St. Nikolaj Velimirović played a decisive role in preserving and renewing Orthodox faith during difficult periods of history.
At the conclusion of the celebration, Bishop Isihije of Valjevo thanked the hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and faithful who had come to honor the saint, stressing that St. Justin continues to gather and guide the faithful through his prayers and spiritual teachings.
The festivities concluded with a fellowship meal hosted by the sisterhood of the Monastery of Ćelije.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
