As part of the activities of the Parish Mission Section of the Missionary Department of
the Archdiocese of Belgrade and Karlovci, focused on mentoring priests in their first
three years of parish ministry, a lecture entitled “Priestly Support for Young People
Struggling with Addiction” was held on Monday, 31 August 2026, at the Parish Hall
of the Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog in Bežanijska Kosa.
The lecturers were Protopresbyter-Stavrophore Branko Ćurčin, spiritual father to
“The Land of the Living,” the Centre for the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and
Reintegration of Persons Suffering from Addiction Disorders of the Diocese of Bačka,
and Protopresbyter-Stavrophore Radivoj Panić, Coordinator of the Parish Mission
Section of the Missionary Department.
The moderator was Presbyter Dr Oliver Subotić, Head of the Missionary
Department AEM, who opened the lecture, introduced the distinguished speakers,
and highlighted the importance and contemporary relevance of the topic. His
introductory remarks were followed by Father Radivoj Panić, who briefly presented
his observations on the issues under consideration.
At the very beginning of his presentation, Father Branko Ćurčin emphasised the
importance of humility in the life and ministry of a priest. He advised the young
pastors to conduct themselves with dignity and optimism rather than adopting a stern
and severe demeanour, stressing that love is of the utmost importance and that it is
love that will judge the world. He provided practical examples from parish life
illustrating the qualities a priest should possess. On this occasion, he emphasised
that a priest should not be ostentatious and must remain mindful of his family at all
times, lest his conduct and way of life cause scandal to the flock entrusted to his
care.
In the continuation of his presentation, Father Branko Ćurčin spoke about “The Land
of the Living” project, acquainting those present with its origins and development,
as well as the manner in which its camps are organised according to the coenobitic
principle of communal life. He paid particular attention to the organisation of life within
the community, the duration of the rehabilitation programme, and the participants’
daily responsibilities. He also noted that similar communities exist in Ritopek and
Montenegro.
Speaking about the process of recovery from addiction disorders, Father Branko
emphasised that spiritual life occupies a place of exceptional importance. The Holy
Gospel is read regularly in the camps, while the entire Psalter is read each day.
Mutual care, support, and the assumption of responsibility constitute an important
part of community life. The residents rely on one another and, through their shared
life, learn both to help their neighbours and to approach their own recovery
responsibly.
He particularly emphasised the importance of a liturgical way of life and the regular
reception of Holy Communion as the foundation of spiritual strength for those
struggling with addiction. Father Branko also recalled the considerable support that
the project had received from the late Professor Vladeta Jerotić from its very
inception. He concluded his presentation with words that bear witness to the power of
faith and hope in the transformation of every human being: “What is impossible
with man is possible with God.”
The lecture was followed by an open and substantive fraternal dialogue, during which
the priests in attendance had the opportunity to ask the lecturers questions and share
observations and experiences from their own pastoral ministry. This exchange of
views contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges clergy
encounter when providing spiritual and pastoral support to young people struggling
with addiction.
Following the lecture, an agape meal was prepared for all those present at the Parish
Hall of the Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog, once again affirming the spirit of
hospitality cultivated at this Belgrade church. The Missionary Department expresses
its particular gratitude to Protopresbyter Predrag Timotijević, the rector, and to the
brotherhood of the church for their warm welcome and gracious hospitality.
PHOTOGRAPHS: Photographic Archive of the Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog in
Bežanijska Kosa
