On Thursday, 15 May 2025, in the ceremonial hall of the City Hall in Sombor, and as part of the event “St. George’s Days Commemoration,” a promotion was held for the book Virtuous Dialogues, authored by Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Milivoj Mijatov, Inspector of the Theological Seminaries of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The speakers at the event included Protopresbyter Velimir Vrućinić, Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. George the Great Martyr in Novi Sad; Presbyter Veljko Vasiljev, Episcopal Vicar of Subotica; Mr Branislav Ilić, catechist from Novi Sad and editor of the portal Kinonia of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade and Karlovci; as well as the author himself. The event was moderated by Miss Danijela Eror.
In his inspired address, catechist Branislav Ilić spoke about this newly published book, which testifies to the rich pastoral experience and profound theological thought of Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Milivoj Mijatov, Inspector of the Theological Seminaries of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
“We are presented with an impressive book of nearly 500 pages that offers a comprehensive summary about the life and ministry of a virtuous and fervent pastor—an eminent elder whose priestly service and pastoral work were firmly grounded in Christ, the Good Shepherd. These Paschal days inspire us to speak about the pastoral ministry, and how could they not, given that only days ago we celebrated the holy commemoration of Saint Basil the Wonderworker of Ostrog, the most beloved among our saints—a wondrous pastor and teacher who followed Christ and taught subsequent generations of clergy to do the same. The book before us is divided into three sections, and its entire content resonates with a pastoral tone and conveys the author’s extensive pastoral experience,” noted catechist Branislav Ilić.
The editor of the Kinonia portal devoted particular attention to Fr Milivoj’s decades-long pastoral service and said in that spirit: “The entire content of Virtuous Dialogues reveals that pastoral ministry is a service to the world, but not of the world. Certain pastoral vignettes in the book point to the fact that there is nothing more exalted and blessed than the priestly calling. Through earthly and heavenly shepherds, the Lord nourishes His flock—those who already believe and those who have yet to come to the knowledge of the truth. Authentic pastoral ministry is the life of Christ continued in the world. Fr Milivoj refers to numerous episodes from his many years of pastoral ministry, and each reference bears a tone of thanksgiving, reminding younger clergy and every reader of the importance of giving thanks to God in all things and for all things. From cover to cover, this book bears witness to pastoral ministry as analogous to tending the Lord’s spiritual Vineyard. In this, we not only witness zeal in service, but also the abundant fruit it bears.”
Catechist Branislav Ilić concluded his address with a reflection on the section of the book titled The Outcome, wherein the author, through seven distinct chapters and in the spirit of the Holy Fathers, constructs a unique mosaic of theological reflections.
“Most Reverend Fr Milivoj, inspired by Origen’s words that ‘the end must always resemble the beginning,’ offers his testimony concerning the wondrous paths of the Lord and the ineffable will of God. This perspective of Fr Milivoj is important, for in the spiritual life, nothing occurs by chance; everything is a manifestation of divine love. The spiritual eyes of modern man are often clouded or entirely closed, which deprives him of these spiritual mysteries and the guidance that Fr Milivoj, from personal experience, reveals. The respected Fr. Milivoj perceives his high priestly calling and his return visit to the Theological Seminary of the Three Holy Hierarchs in a broader and more comprehensive light—as a return to his beginnings—taking the opportunity to give thanks to God for His providence and love. Life in Christ is the discovery of God’s will. At Matins, in the Doxology, we hear the words: ‘O Lord, I have fled to Thee; teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God.’ The Church of Christ teaches every person, throughout their life, this kind of prayerful state and complete trust in God, which is exactly what the author of this book bears witness to in the mentioned passage. From the rich tradition of the Holy Fathers, we learn that personal will gives rise to fantasies and prevents a person from knowing himself and approaching the Truth—which is hidden in communion with Christ.”
In conclusion, catechist Branislav Ilić offered the following words regarding the new book Virtuous Dialogues:
“This experienced pastor teaches each of us that our life is akin to a spiritual ladder by which we ascend to the Lord, and that every step or rung of that ladder is equally important—none can stand without the others. By reading this book, we learn a wisdom of life that is rooted in the eternal Gospel teaching—a wisdom measured by the only true measure: our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’ (John 14:6), said Christ, thus revealing to every generation that behind the way, the truth, and the life stands a Person—stands the God-Man. In Him, these three realities are united; they are one and eternal. There is no Truth outside the life in Christ; there is no life apart from Christ’s truth; and there is no path to life and truth apart from Christ God. Beloved friends, this is one of the Gospel and life-giving lessons that we can discover, learn, and embrace into our very being—thanks to this new work by Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Milivoj.”
