On Friday, 23 January 2026, the guest of the Morning Programme of Television “Hram” was Catechist Branislav Ilić, editor of the “Kinonia” portal of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade and Karlovci. The topic of the interview, conducted by journalist Mirjana Jelić, was the mission of the Church on the internet, catechetical ministry, and Saint-Sava-centred spirituality (Svetosavlje) as a philosophy of life.
In the introductory part of the conversation, Catechist Branislav expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to speak on a day when our Holy Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs of Bačka. According to him, after many decades of silence regarding the suffering of our people in Šajkaška and Novi Sad, today we bear clear and outspoken witness to this horrific pogrom. The catechist from Novi Sad recalled that in 2022 the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church enrolled the Holy Martyrs of Bačka among the saints, establishing 10/23 January as the day of their commemoration. Since the solemn act of canonization was held on 2 October of that year, the commemoration of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Bačka and Confessor of the Faith, together with the Holy Martyrs of Bačka, was instituted—this day now being the patronal feast (slava) of the Diocese of Bačka.
In his capacity as editor of the “Kinonia” portal, Catechist Branislav acquainted the viewers of Television Hram with the work carried out thus far, emphasizing that the fundamental aim of the portal’s activity is an invitation into liturgical communion and the grace-filled sacramental life, in which the very essence of our existence is found. According to him, while many contemporary portals direct attention towards transient matters, the “Kinonia” portal steadfastly and fervently calls people into a communion of love.
The guest of Mirjana Jelić spoke with inspiration about the mission of the Church on the internet, stressing that throughout the centuries the Church has been—and has remained—contemporary in its missionary activity. Catechist Branislav clearly stated that missionary work employing modern information technologies is aimed at directing young people towards the very essence of life in Christ. Young people today seek short, clear, and concrete answers and teachings, and the internet is a space that enables precisely such a form of missionary engagement. In this segment of the interview, Branislav also cited concrete examples from his own missionary practice on the internet.
As the celebration of Saint Sava’s Day approaches, the catechist from Novi Sad, Branislav Ilić, spoke about catechetical ministry and his work with secondary-school students. According to him, children participate in Religious Education classes with great attentiveness, joy, and love, striving at the same time to enrich both their minds and their hearts. Particularly moving was Catechist Branislav’s testimony that today many secondary-school students become, in a certain sense, catechists within their own families, teaching their parents to fast, to pray, and to live a virtuous life. As a guest of Mirjana Jelić, he expressed optimism regarding the Christian maturation of young people, reminding us that good seed always bears beautiful fruit.
In the concluding part of the interview, Catechist Branislav Ilić spoke about Svetosavlje as a philosophy of life, recalling that the very concept of Svetosavlje was articulated by Venerable Justin of Ćelije, who defined it as the authentic expression of the faith of Orthodox Serbs. Speaking about Saint-Sava-centred celebrations held in our schools, Catechist Branislav emphasized that these gatherings remind each of us to follow the example and path of Saint Sava, to model ourselves after him, just as he modelled himself after the Lord. Referring to Saint Sava as a teacher of the path that leads to eternal life, Branislav instructed the viewers of Television Hram that none of us is expected to withdraw into a desert and embrace monastic life as Saint Sava once did; rather, we are called to abandon all sinful weaknesses, shortcomings, and other burdens, so that we may persevere to the end on the path of Christian life.
Source: Kinonia Portal
