On February 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM, a professional seminar for priests of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci who have been in service for up to three years, was held at the parish hall of the Church of Saint Simeon the Myrrh-Streaming in New Belgrade. The topic of the evening was “Priestly Homily”, and the guest lecturer was Presbyter Dr. Oliver Subotić, Head of the Missionary Department. The event which gathered 25 young priests was largely closed to the public, and only partly covered by Hram Television.
A special honour was bestowed upon the participants by the attendance of His Holiness, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, who enhanced the lecture with his presence and an inspiring opening speech.
The Words of patriarch Porfirije
His Holiness reminded the young priests of the importance of the Gospel message, quoting the Gospel of Matthew:
„Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit“ (Matthew 28:19).
The Patriarch emphasized that these words are intrinsically tied to the mission of the Church, including the activities of the Missionary Department AEM and the mentorship programme, which is not propaganda or marketing, but solely obedience to the Word of God. His speech was profoundly Christ-centred, urging priests to let Christ’s life become their life, Christ’s thoughts their thoughts and their hearts to become Christ’s. Being thus transformed by Him, we are able to make His presence manifest.
His Holiness expressed gratitude to:
- Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Vajo Jović, Coordinator of the Section for Parish Mission, for his dedicated work with young priests and his willingness, as an older experienced priest, to help his younger colleagues.
- Presbyter Dr. Oliver Subotić, for his role as the Head of the Missionary Department AEM, and for leading missionary initiatives in all of its five sections.
The Patriarch highlighted the challenges of the times we live in, emphasizing that we are called for such a time as this in order to proclaim the Word of God, quoting Saint Nikolaj Velimirović:
“We are not waiting for better times, we are waiting for Christ.”
Lecture by Presbyter Dr. Oliver Subotić
Following the Patriarch’s words, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Vajo Jović introduced Presbyter Dr. Oliver Subotić, author of books on homiletics, as a highly qualified speaker on the topic.
Fr. Oliver thanked the Patriarch for his unwavering support of the Missionary Department, as well as the young priests for their commitment to the mentorship programme, praising their regular attendance. His lecture focused on the practical aspects of priestly homilies, applicable in parish life, emphasizing that they should be “seasoned with salt” (biblical use) and rooted in the Gospel.
The lecture was structured into several key sections:
- Homilies during Sunday and Feast Day Liturgies
- Funeral, Baptismal, and Wedding Homilies
- Homilies at Public Events
Each section covered the appropriate content, focus, contextualization, adaptation, preparation, and technical details dealing with the duration, delivery and timing of homilies, illustrated with real-life experiences. Fr. Oliver stressed two essential goals of every priestly homily:
- Glorification of God’s Name
- Contributing to the salvation of souls
Following the lecture, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Vajo Jović added practical insights from his many years of experience, followed by a lively discussion with young priests and His Holiness as well, who stressed that a call for peace and love should be at the core of every homily.
Closing and Hospitality
The atmosphere of the two-hour long event was marked by openness, sincerity, and spontaneity, fostered by the Patriarch’s personal approach.
The host, Archimandrite Danilo Gavranović, Senior Priest of the Church of Saint Simeon the Myrrh-Streaming, provided refreshments for all participants and expressed his gratitude to the Missionary Department. An open and friendly host, He warmly welcomed future missionary events at his parish.
Next Mentorship Session
The next mentorship seminar for young priests of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci is scheduled for after Pascha 2025.
