As part of the activities of the Parish Mission Section of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci, which are aimed at mentoring priests with up to three years of parish service, a lecture on “Spiritual and Ecclesial Building in the Parish” was held on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at the parish hall of the Church of St Elijah in Mirijevo.
The speakers were Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Jovo Lakić and Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Radivoje Panić, Coordinator of the Parish Mission Section of the Missionary Department.
At the beginning of the lecture, Presbyter Radomir Marinković, parish priest of the Church of St Elijah in Mirijevo, welcomed the speakers and thanked them for coming to address this topic.
Father Radivoje then introduced the speaker, the distinguished Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Jovo Lakić, who served for many years in the Diocese of Zvornik and Tuzla. He spoke about Father Jovo’s contribution to the construction of fourteen churches, the restoration of church buildings, and the spiritual life of parish communities, as well as the parishioners’ participation in these endeavours. He also introduced Father Jovo’s work as an icon painter, noting that he was the first to paint an icon of the Holy New Martyrs of Jasenovac.
Drawing on his own experience of spiritual and building renewal, Father Jovo highlighted the importance of cultivating calligraphy, icon painting, and other activities in every parish. Such activities can help children and young people draw closer to the Church and serve as an extension of liturgical life. Father Jovo also spoke about his experience as an icon painter, the significance of the icon, and its role in developing ecclesial awareness.
The discussion then turned to the selection of sites for new churches and the need for careful consideration and practical effort in this regard. The priests from Ripanj stated that they were prepared to dedicate themselves to this undertaking in their parish.
The presentations were followed by a fraternal discussion during which the priests asked questions and shared experiences from their pastoral ministry. The exchange helped shed light on spiritual and ecclesial building in the parish from a range of perspectives.
At the close of the gathering, a fellowship meal was served to those present. The Missionary Department expresses its gratitude to Presbyter Radomir Marinković, parish priest of the church, and the church brotherhood for their warm hospitality.
PHOTOGRAPHS: Photo archive of the Church of St Elijah in Mirijevo.
