The Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci was officially established on February 14, 2024., with the blessing and by decree of His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia (AEM No. 186). The department officially began its work in April 2024., following the completion of necessary organizational and technical procedures.
Over the past ten months, the Missionary Department has fulfilled its mission through the work of five internal sections and two missionary projects.
Parish Mission Section
This section has organized five mentoring lectures for young priests of the Archdiocese, specifically for those with up to three years of service. The topics include:
- Clergy conduct within a brotherhood,
- The family life of a priest,
- Serving the Holy Liturgy,
- Administering the Sacraments of Baptism and Confession,
- Catechetical work within the parish.
The mentoring sessions were held in various churches throughout the Archdiocese.
External Mission Section
The External Mission Section organized nine lectures in English as part of the NevskyTalks project, aimed at foreign nationals living and working in Serbia, who are interested in Orthodox Christianity.
The mission-focused lectures were delivered by clergy and laypeople with fluency in English, while the audience included participants from different countries. Additionally, the section provided individual spiritual counselling to Orthodox Christians who are foreign nationals temporarily or permanently residing in Belgrade. One of the key initiatives of this section was the launch of a special missionary programme in the Chinese language.
This section organized six panel discussions on contemporary social issues such as:
- The relationship between faith and science,
- The challenges of artificial intelligence,
- Church and state relations.
These events gathered prominent Serbian intellectuals in debate format forums, where selected representatives of the Missionary Department presented perspectives grounded in Christian thought.
Apart from public forums, this section was actively engaged in various media formats, including:
- Online podcasts,
- Television interviews,
- Publication of apologetic articles.
Apologetic Mission Section
The Apologetic Mission Section has conducted ten lectures, both in Serbia and abroad.
It has also provided support and consultation for victims of sectarian and manipulative activities. Over the past year, the section received close to 30 inquiries from families, conducting over 60 advisory and consultative sessions.
This section has also collaborated with other Archbishopric’s institutions in the study of sectarian activities, held meetings with relevant state authorities, and its selected members participated in the FECRIS Conference last year.
Additionally, the Apologetic Mission Section engaged in fieldwork, monitoring various sectarian groups and schismatic movements, while its members remained actively present in public discourse and media engagements.
In the next section, we will explore the Digital Mission Section and the department’s online activities.
Digital Mission Section and Online Activities
The Digital Mission Section conducted a comprehensive analysis of church websites and clergy social media profiles within the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci – the first such study of its kind. This research serves as a foundation for improving the Archdiocese’s digital presence, in cooperation with the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Information Service.
Throughout the past year, the Missionary Department’s website has published approximately:
- 150 articles in Serbian,
- 70 articles in English,
Besides news, event announcements, and reports, the website also features:
- A blog, where coordinators publish their theological and missionary reflections,
- A multimedia section, showcasing videos and other digital content related to the department’s work
- A space for engaging missionary contributions.
The Missionary Department is actively present on social media, including:
- Facebook,
- Instagram,
- X (formerly Twitter),
- YouTube,
allowing for further expansion of digital missionary outreach.
Two Key Digital Mission Projects
Over the past year, the Missionary Department launched two major online missionary projects:
- “Tree by the Spring” (Drvo kraj izvora)
This initiative provides a systematic interpretation of Holy Scripture, using insights from the great Church Fathers.
Since its launch five months ago, the project has released 20 thematic units, each ranging from 4 to 6 pages in length.
2. “Kinonia” – A Digital Orthodox Platform
Launched in September 2024., Kinonia serves as a comprehensive online Orthodox missionary platform.
Launched in September 2024., Kinonia serves as a comprehensive online Orthodox missionary platform. So far, over 600 original contributions have been published. Content is categorized into 10 thematic sections, including: Scriptural readings with commentary, Sacred sites of Kosovo and Metohija, Orthodox theological lexicon, Lessons in iconography, Exploring ancient churches, Daily spiritual reflections, Video teachings, Exclusive interviews. Selections from the writings of the Church Fathers.
The platform collaborates with a network of 60 external contributors, ensuring high-quality theological and missionary content. Expanding
Orthodox Missionary Work
In addition to online efforts, the director, coordinators, and permanent members of the Missionary Department regularly deliver missionary-themed lectures in Serbia and abroad, covering various topics related to Orthodox Christian evangelization.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Continued Growth. With God’s help, the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci will continue its missionary work with unwavering dedication, always for the glory of Christ, our Saviour!
