The guest on the latest episode of the Hram programme, which aired on Radio Belgrade 2 on Sunday, December 8, 2024., was catechist Branislav Ilić, editor of the missionary portal Kinonia and a permanent expert associate of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci. In this episode, catechist Branislav spoke on the topic: “The Mission of the Church and Information Technologies.” The author and host of the programme is Dušanka Zeković.
During the Hram programme, attention was given to the Church’s mission in general, its foundations throughout 2,000 years of history, the Church’s mission as a commandment of the Lord, as well as the role of the missionaries, their objectives, and different forms of mission work. Catechist Branislav emphasized that the proclamation of the Crucified and Resurrected Lord is the primary task and goal of the Church’s mission throughout the centuries. He noted that, although the methods of mission have changed over time, the ultimate goal has always remained the same.
Branislav also discussed the founding of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci in February 2024., outlining its five sections and emphasizing the significance of its work so far, as well as plans for the future. According to him, the establishment of the Missionary Department is a historic event, not only because it is the first official missionary body of its kind, but also due to its well-structured plan and serious approach to missionary work.
The programme provided an opportunity for the guest to speak from personal experience and years of missionary practice about the Church’s presence on the Internet, the proper understanding of Church mission in this domain, and the limitations of missionary activities through information technologies. Branislav highlighted that the mission through information technologies can only serve as an auxiliary tool, as our faith always implies communion, participation, and a living encounter with the Lord, all the saints, and our neighbours in the Holy Liturgy.
