The Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade–Karlovci, through its Chinese-Language Mission Programme, is initiating a project of systematic Chinese-language instruction for interested Serbian Orthodox missionaries. The project is being launched in the spirit of the goals set— with the blessing of His Holiness, the Serbian Patriarch Porfirije— in the conceptual framework of the Missionary Department (AEM).
The tailored Chinese-language course is intended for clergy, religious education teachers, and students of theological disciplines who feel called to missionary work in the field of external mission. The course may also be attended by faithful of the Serbian Orthodox Church who possess sufficient theological background, which must be confirmed by a written blessing from their parish priest/spiritual father.
China, as an ancient civilisation with a profound spiritual heritage and a growing interest in Christianity, constitutes fertile ground for witnessing to the Christian faith. Serbian missionaries are called to contribute in this field, given that several tens of thousands of Chinese nationals now reside permanently in Serbia, many of whom are interested in Orthodox Christianity. In this light, elementary knowledge of the Chinese language and of basic terms in Orthodox terminology becomes a precious gift for contemporary missionary engagement in this region. At the same time, this project offers a form of support to the decades-long effort to deepen ties between the Serbian and Chinese peoples.
The course is free of charge and will be delivered in person at the premises of the Missionary Department (AEM), twice weekly in the late afternoon (an online platform will be used in parallel). The instruction is conceived as a living experience combining lectures, practical exercises, and conversations contextually adapted to the witness of the Orthodox faith. Upon completion of the programme, participants are expected to acquire foundational knowledge of Chinese necessary for communication and for understanding the spiritual context— that is, to be equipped to use Chinese as an additional instrument of missionary activity.
All interested clergy, religious education teachers, and students of theological disciplines— as well as Orthodox faithful with sufficient theological knowledge and a written blessing from their parish priest/spiritual father— are invited to apply for the formation of a Chinese-language learning group by the end of October 2025 via the e-mail of the Missionary Department (AEM): (misionarsko.odeljenje@gmail.com.) The e-mail should include the following basic information: first name, surname, profession, and contact telephone number. The number of places is limited, and the course will commence in November.
For all technical details of the missionary Chinese-language course, please write to the same e-mail address, with the note “for Dr Sandra Knežević,” editor of the Chinese-Language Mission Programme.
