In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the Primary School “Oslobodioci Beograda” hosted, for the fifth time, a lecture within the framework of the “School of Parenthood” project, which is implemented with the aim of offering parents and educators guidance for the healthy and responsible upbringing of children in contemporary society. On this occasion, the lecture was dedicated to the topic “Where Love Dwells,” opening space for a deeper reflection on the essence of love within both the family and the broader social context.
The lecture was opened in an inspiring tone by the school principal, Ms. Radica Karović, who pointed to the increasingly evident need for genuine love as the foundation of upbringing and healthy development. She particularly emphasized the importance of such gatherings, which contribute not only to the education of parents but also to the building of a community grounded in understanding, support, and responsibility.
In the continuation of the lecture, religionologist and former police inspector Zoran Luković spoke about the phenomenon of counterfeit love in contemporary society, highlighting its numerous forms of misuse. He particularly underscored how the concept of love is often instrumentalized within political-ideological programmes, media performances, as well as within the activities of various sectarian groups, where manipulation and spiritual abuse are frequently concealed under the guise of love. Such an exposition encouraged those present to critically examine contemporary social trends and to attempt to distinguish authentic values from their distorted forms.
Presbyter Dr. Aleksandar Milojkov, in his address, spoke with inspiration about love as the central category of Christian life. Through references to the Holy Scriptures, citations from patristic literature, and testimonies drawn from his immediate pastoral experience, he pointed out that true love is always sacrificial, free, and oriented towards the other, following the example of God’s love for humanity. He particularly emphasized that such love cannot be reduced to passion or emotion as a transient state, but rather entails ascetic effort, responsibility, and readiness for sacrifice—elements that are of crucial importance for the building of healthy family relationships.
From the perspective of psychology, love within family relations was addressed by specialist in medical psychology Vlajko Panović. He emphasized the importance of a proper understanding of parental love, which must be both warm and capable of setting boundaries. He particularly noted that love devoid of measure and responsibility may lead to educational shortcomings, whereas a balanced relationship between support and discipline enables the child to develop into a mature and stable person.
The lecture proceeded in an atmosphere of lively interest and active participation, as those present had the opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences. This gathering once again confirmed the significance of the “School of Parenthood” project as a space in which theological, psychological, and social perspectives converge, with a common goal—the building of a healthy family as the foundation of every society.
Cover photo: Photo archive of the “Oslobodioci of Belgrade” elementary school
