On Friday, 13 March 2026, the guest of the Morning Programme of the Television Channel Hram was catechist Branislav Ilić, editor of the portal Kinonia of the Missionary Department of the Archbishopric of Belgrade–Karlovci. The topic of the conversation, conducted by journalist Jana Okilj, was the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross.
In the introductory part of the conversation, catechist Branislav spoke about the significance of the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross and the liturgical particularities of this Sunday. According to him, the Holy Cross is solemnly brought forth in procession to the centre of the church, where the faithful venerate it and bow before it while chanting the hymn: “Before Thy Cross we bow down in worship, O Master, and Thy holy Resurrection we glorify.” The Cross is our support and fortification on our Lenten journey. Strengthened by the power of the Cross of Christ we will more easily continue on our journey in the second half of Great Lent, since great and sacred days lie before us which require our full participation.
Speaking about the symbol of the Cross throughout history, the guest of the Morning Programme of Television Hram emphasized that before Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection the Cross was a symbol of suffering, torment, and pain, and therefore also a symbol of fear. From the moment when the Lord, for us men and for our salvation, was crucified upon the wood of the Cross, and from the moment of Christ’s most glorious Resurrection, the Cross becomes a symbol of life—a symbol of the victory of life over death and of love over hatred. We continually make the sign of the Cross, and each one of us, adhering to the Saviour’s words, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me,” carries his own cross and perseveres on his life path of spiritual struggle.
The conversation also touched upon the middle week of the Fast. The guest of Jana Okilj emphasized that during this week the hymnography in several places reminds us that we have reached the midpoint of our Lenten journey. This week is dedicated to Saint John Climacus, a great ascetic whose example we ought to follow. His work The Ladder of Divine Ascent, alongside the Holy Scriptures, is suitable reading of great spiritual benefit in the days when we strive to be transformed with our whole being in the mystery of Great Lent.
Catechist Branislav also spoke about the teachings of the Holy Fathers concerning fasting. In his own words, the common feature of these teachings is the call to fast wholly—with our thoughts, our words, our lives, and finally with food. These teachings call us to spiritual vigilance, to a faith manifested in action, and to sacrificial love towards our neighbours. The patristic teachings on the significance of fasting have arisen from rich spiritual living experience, and for this reason they represent a priceless treasure. The Holy Fathers spoke only of what they themselves had experienced and lived.
Towards the end of the conversation, catechist Branislav also spoke about an upcoming lecture which he will deliver, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Irinej of Bačka and at the invitation of the Church Municipality of Gajdobra, as part of the Lenten cycle of lectures. He expressed joy about the forthcoming gathering, noting that in Gajdobra there exists a beautiful and harmonious liturgical community. Lastly, he informed the viewers of Television Hram that a portion of the relics of the Holy Martyrs of Prebilovci and of All Herzegovina is preserved in the chapel of the said church in Gajdobra.
