Catechist Branislav Ilić, editor of the Kinonia portal and permanent expert associate of the Section for Electronic Mission of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade and Karlovci, was a guest on the radio programme Dok je sunca (“While the Sun Shines”), broadcast on Friday, 23 May 2025, on Radio Zlatousti of the Diocese of Šumadija. In this episode, hosted and edited by journalist Ana Brzaković, Catechist Branislav spoke on the topic: “The Newly-Glorified Saint – Saint Ana, Mother of Saint Basil of Ostrog.”
The decision of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church to include the Blessed Saint Ana, mother of Saint Basil of Ostrog, in the diptychs of the saints—with her feast day to be celebrated on 13 May (30 April according to the Old Calendar)—served as the inspiration for the theme of this edition of Dok je sunca on the waves of Radio Zlatousti.
How common is it for the mothers of saints to be canonized? What distinguishes the mothers of saints? What will future celebrations of 13 May look like in Mrkonjići, where the relics of the Blessed Saint Ana, mother of Saint Basil of Ostrog, were discovered two years ago?
These were some of the questions addressed in the conversation with Catechist Branislav Ilić, author of the documentary film Saint Basil of Ostrog – Witness of the Resurrection, who emphasized for Radio Zlatousti that “the Church, through canonization, does not create saints but merely affirms what is already known amongst the people,” adding that “Mrkonjići will become a new place of pilgrimage.”
In the course of the interview, Catechist Branislav spoke in great detail about the development of the veneration of Saint Ana, sharing with listeners valuable testimonies, particularly those concerning the discovery of her grave, the miracles occurring at the site, and the uncovering of her holy relics. According to Catechist Branislav, Saint Ana, as a saint, comes to console us, to encourage us, and to offer the same pure and sincere love she gave to her only son—whom she raised and directed to walk in the ways of God.
