The text was published on the Kinoniaja portal, in the column “From the Editor’s Pen,” on October 22, 2025.
Reverend Fathers, dear brothers and sisters, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my particular joy and honour that we are gathered this evening under the vaults of this temple of books, brought together by the love of our sister Jelena Delibašić, from whose pen and heart came the book that stands before us. Since you mentioned that I am the editor of the missionary portal Kinonia, I must say in that spirit that in Jelena Delibašić we have a precious co-worker in the mission of our portal—an untiring labourer in the field of service to our Holy Church from the very first day. I am convinced that in the time ahead her contribution will remain both precious and pleasing to our Lord.
I am grateful for the opportunity to speak this evening alongside my esteemed interlocutors and to share briefly my sincere impressions of this remarkable and monumental book. Through its content, it offers valuable lessons, encouraging us never to waver but, with the strength of faith, always to walk uprightly and with dignity.
The new book by our dear Jelena Delibašić emerges in the spirit of two great jubilees—the 690th anniversary of the birth and the 620th anniversary of the repose of Saint Princess Milica, known in monastic life as Venerable Eugenia (Euphrosyne). We live in a time when people around us often misunderstand the meaning of jubilees, giving them merely a commemorative character. Yet important anniversaries are not—and cannot be—mere occasions for recalling distant events from the past. Jubilees are opportunities to make a person present and relevant in our own time, to perceive her significance, and to strive to discern what she is saying to us today. The book before us bears witness to the holy and blessed life of our saint—one who, both as ruler and as nun, lived according to heavenly principles. That was the very imperative of her life in its entirety.
The content of the book abounds in biblical quotations from both the Old and New Testaments. Following that sanctified thread, the author has also included the life of the saint and a homily by Saint Bishop Nikolai, which, I would say, form the foundation of this exceptional work. Furthermore, the book reminds us that the venerable saint, living according to the Gospel, embodied all Christian virtues, ever ready to carry steadfastly the spiritual flame of faith through every circumstance. By her example, the saint directs each of us along that same path, reminding us that our gaze fixed on Christ is the sure way that, amid the storms of life, leads to the quiet harbour.
Thanks to Jelena’s work, the content of the book reminds us that Venerable Euphrosyne spent her earthly life within the reality of the Cross and the Resurrection. She experientially revealed the truth that without the Cross there is no Resurrection, nor is it possible to enter into the mystery of eternal life without passing through death. These are great lessons that the book imparts to us. Since modern man is constantly struck by the waves of earthly hardships and temptations, this book comes to us at just the right moment, bringing consolation through the example of this wonderful saint.
I would also like to highlight one very important point: the content of the book is, in itself, a call to the holiness of life. The psalmist and King David said, “God is wonderful in His saints” (Ps. 114), and these words are not only a song of thanksgiving to the Lord but also a reminder that holiness is our calling. I often remind my students that the saints are not some predestined people specially chosen by God, but that every baptized member of the Church is a potential saint. In this regard, this book is a treasure beyond price, for it gives us the opportunity to learn about the mystery of holiness through the concrete example of Princess Milica—Venerable Euphrosyne. Thanks to the diligence and wisdom of Jelena Delibašić, even we catechists will now find our work easier, since this book provides answers to many questions we receive daily from our students. One of the most frequent questions concerns the meaning of life, and Venerable Euphrosyne, through her steadfast gaze toward Christ and unwavering faith, shows us that the meaning of life lies in communion with Christ.
Since Jelena and I were in communication during the creation of this book, I would like to share one personal observation that I find especially valuable. Jelena had the blessing to spend time in the sacred monastery of Ljubostinja, where, before the reliquary of Venerable Euphrosyne, she worked diligently, devotedly, and tirelessly on this God-pleasing work. I am convinced that Jelena drew her inspiration for writing precisely within the love-filled sanctuary of the saint whose presence has gathered us here tonight.
To your attention and affection I warmly commend this book, and to dear Jelena I wish that in the time to come she may continue to create such great works, thus transforming time into eternity. Once again, I offer her my heartfelt congratulations, and I thank all of you for your attention. Thank you.
Address by Catechist Branislav Ilić, Editor of the Kinonia Portal, at the presentation of Jelena Delibašić’s new book “Princess Milica – Lily of the Valley: The Scar (1335–1405),” held in the ceremonial hall of the Prometej Gallery, Novi Sad, on October 22, 2025.
