On Friday, 12 September 2025, the guest of the Morning Programme on Hram Television was catechist Branislav Ilić, editor of the Kinonia portal of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade–Karlovci. The topic of the conversation, conducted by journalist Jana Okilj, was the first anniversary of the Kinonia portal and the importance of mission through the use of contemporary information technologies.
In the opening part of the discussion, catechist Branislav spoke about the significance of the missionary activity of the Kinonia portal. According to him, the mission of the Church on the internet is of great importance and necessity in our times, for even the apostles in their missionary endeavors employed the most advanced means available in their age, so that their mission might bear fruit. Branislav added that modern missionaries do not invent anything new, but rather continue this sanctified thread of missionary activity through the centuries, since the foundation and aim of the mission remain always the same, while the forms and methods of mission are adapted to the needs of each era.
The guest of Jana Okilj offered a brief retrospective of the first year of the Kinonia portal, emphasizing that the portal currently houses a database of more than 2,000 original publications, organized into several categories. The editor of Kinonia merrily highlighted that the work of the portal has faced no difficulties or sudden surprises, and that readers have literally been provided with new content on a daily basis. Catechist Branislav also pointed out that all collaborators who contribute written texts to the portal adhere to clearly defined criteria, one of which is that the portal publishes only texts written exclusively for Kinonia.
Although only twelve months have passed since the launch of the portal, the fruits of its dedicated labour are already evident. The catechist from Novi Sad underscored that the Kinonia portal has become a valuable resource for Religious Education, as confirmed by the experience of a significant number of catechists and religious teachers. Furthermore, one of the fruits of the portal’s activity is the systematic involvement of young people in Church mission. According to the portal’s editor, an increasing number of young and gifted people are joining, approaching the mission with seriousness and a sense of responsibility—recognizing that, in essence, this type of engagement is one of the ways of serving the Church. Catechist Branislav expressed his hope that in the time ahead, the Kinonia portal will continue to be a collaborative endeavor and a receptacle of treasures that sanctifies the digital space.
In response to the question of how the material is adapted for those who are only just coming to the faith, catechist Branislav reminded the audience that from the very beginning the published content on the Kinonia portal can be viewed in terms of differently graded segments. The idea is that readers of different ages and levels of spiritual maturity are enabled to advance in faith, thus ascending the spiritual ladder. The Kinonia portal seeks to direct people towards an active liturgical and sacramental life, without which everything else becomes meaningless, for only in communion with God does mission receive its true identity and endorsement.
The guest of Jana Okilj emphasized that Christ is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”—the helmsman who steers the spiritual vessel of our mission. If Christ is our Teacher and Guide, then our mission will surely be blessed. Since we live in an age in which the internet circulates misinformation and distorted interpretations of faith and life, the mission of the Church online, by its very engagement, serves to refute and unmask falsehoods and erroneous teachings. According to catechist Branislav, the internet has today become a space with a profound influence on the development of the young, and it is therefore of utmost importance that the eternal and imperishable Word of God’s love be spread in the cyberspace.This will also bear fruit in the spiritual upbringing of children.
At the conclusion of the interview, catechist Branislav spoke about the upcoming celebration of the first anniversary of the Kinonia portal and highlighted the importance of the discussion panel, at which various perspectives will be heard concerning the topic of the Church in the online public sphere.
By: Catechist Branislav Ilić, Editor of the Kinonia Portal
