Irinej, Serbian Patriarch

(Redirected from Irinej Gavrilović)

Irinej (Serbian Cyrillic: Иринеј, pronounced [irǐneːj], English: Irenaeus; born Miroslav Gavrilović; 28 August 1930 – 20 November 2020) was the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church from 2010 until his death in 2020.


Irinej
Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovci, and Serbian Patriarch
Patriarch Irinej in 2019
Native name
Иринеј
ChurchSerbian Orthodox Church
Elected22 January 2010
Installed23 January 2010 (Belgrade)
3 October 2010 (Peć)
Term ended20 November 2020
PredecessorPavle
SuccessorPorfirije
Previous post(s)Bishop of Niš (1975–2010)
Titular Bishop of Moravica (1974–1975)
Orders
Ordination24 October 1959
by Patriarch German
Consecration1 May 1974
by Patriarch German
RankPatriarch
Personal details
Born
Miroslav Gavrilović

(1930-08-28)28 August 1930
Died20 November 2020(2020-11-20) (aged 90)
Belgrade, Serbia
BuriedChurch of Saint Sava, Belgrade
NationalitySerbian
DenominationEastern Orthodoxy
ResidenceNiš (1975–2010)
Belgrade (2010–2020)
Alma materUniversity of Belgrade
SignatureIrinej's signature
Styles of
Serbian Patriarch Irinej
Reference styleHis Holiness
Spoken styleYour Holiness
Religious stylePatriarch
Posthumous styleHis Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Blessed Repose

He had first been the bishop of Niš between 1975 and 2010, and then the patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church from 22 January 2010 succeeding Pavle, until his death. He was considered, both abroad and at home, to be a moderate traditionalist, open to global inter-religious dialogue.[by whom?]

Early life

edit

Irinej was born as Miroslav Gavrilović (pronounced [mǐroslaʋ ɡaʋrǐːloʋitɕ]; Serbian Cyrillic: Мирослав Гавриловић) in Vidova near Čačak, Kingdom of Yugoslavia (now Serbia). After graduating from high school, he enrolled and completed the Serbian Orthodox Seminary of Prizren. He then enrolled at the University of Belgrade's Theological Faculty and served in the army after graduating.[1] After compulsory military service, he was tonsured a monk in 1959 in Rakovica monastery, receiving the monastic name of "Irinej" (from Ancient Greek: Εἰρηναῖος, Ancient Greek: [eːrɛːˈnâi̯os]; Irenaeus).[1] He was a professor at the Prizren Seminary, and completed postgraduate studies in Athens. In 1969, he was appointed a head of the monastic school at Ostrog Monastery. In 1969, he returned to Prizren, where he was appointed Rector of the Prizren Seminary.[1]

Titular bishop and the Bishop of Niš

edit

Titular bishop of Moravica (1974–1975)

edit

Irinej was elected titular bishop of Moravica in May 1974.[1][2] As the bishop of Moravica, he was a vicar to the Serbian patriarch, at the time to Patriarch German.

After one year, he left the position following his election for the bishop of Niš.

Bishop of Niš (1975–2010)

edit

In May 1975, Irinej was elected bishop of Niš and enthroned in the Holy Trinity Cathedral on 15 June 1975 in Niš.[1][2] When the Prizren Seminary was displaced from Prizren due to Kosovo War in 1999, he made it possible that a new building of the Seminary was built in Niš, where the Seminary continued its work.[3] Irinej headed the Eparchy of Niš for 35 years.[4]

Bishop Irinej was elected to the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church as a member in May 2009.[5]

Serbian Patriarch (2010–2020)

edit

Election and inauguration

edit

Irinej was elected Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church on 22 January 2010,[6][7][8][9] two months after the death of previous patriarch, Pavle, becoming the 45th Patriarch. He was one of the three candidates with the most votes from the 45 bishops eligible in the Serbian Orthodox Church, along with former locum tenens (interim leader) Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral and Bishop Irinej of Bačka.[10] In the final phase, his name was pulled from a sealed envelope. In this way, the Serbian Orthodox Church believes the patriarch is elected by divine intervention, sidelining human interests.[11]

Irinej was enthroned on 23 January 2010 in St. Michael's Cathedral in Belgrade.[12] The inauguration was attended by numerous government ministers of Serbia, representatives of churches and religious communities in Serbia, and various politicians including the Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković, Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, Apostolic Nuncio Orlando Antonini, Catholic archbishop of Belgrade Stanislav Hočevar, Serbian Mufti Muhamed Jusufspahić, and Crown Prince Alexander Karađorđević.[13]

Irinej held his formal enthronement to the ancient throne of the Serbian patriarch in the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć on 3 October 2010.[14] The enthronement was attended by many dignitaries including Serbian President Boris Tadić, Croatian Parliament member Milorad Pupovac, Russian Metropolitan Hilarion, Jerusalem Archbishop Theophylactos of Iordanos, Georgian Metropolitan Gerasimos of Zugdidi and Tsaishi, Romanian Metropolitan Irineu, Bulgarian Metropolitan Domentian of Vidin, Cypriot Metropolitan Chrysostomos, Albanian Metropolitan Ignatios of Berat, Archbishop Hočevar, Mufti Jusufspahić, Crown Prince Alexander and princes Peter, Philip, and Alexander.[15][16]

Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue

edit

Irinej was considered, both abroad and at home, as a moderate traditionalist, open to global inter-religious dialogue.[17]

On 28 January 2010, at his first news conference, Irinej stated that "Islam’s philosophy was that Muslims, when they are in small numbers, can behave well and be fair, but that once they become superior, they start to exert pressure." The Islamic Community in Serbia (IZS) said that it found the remarks to be "insulting Islam" and responded with a letter to the Serbian Orthodox Church requesting an official interpretation of his statement. The Islamic Community in Serbia condemned what they called "insulting and false accusations".[18] On 29 January, he expressed regrets for his statement and its consequences, and to Muslims, as neighbours and brothers he extended apologies.[19] Hereupon his apologies were accepted.[20]

 
Irinej on the 700th anniversary of the establishment of the Tronoša Monastery (2017)

In 2010, Irinej indicated he would not oppose the first-ever visit by the pope of the Catholic Church to Serbia in 2013 as part of celebrations of the 1,700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan, the law under which Roman emperor Constantine I, who was born in Niš, ended the persecution of Christians. Irinej said that "there is the wish of the Pope" for a meeting in Niš and that it would be a chance "not just for a meeting, but for a dialogue".[7][21][22] The visit of the Pope did not take place, as Irinej's Orthodox Church insisted on a papal apology for crimes committed against Serbian Orthodox during World War II. ”An apology would be a gesture that instills hope that something like that will never happen again," said Irinej.[23]

A visit by Pope Francis (deemed politically useful for Serbia's battle against the international recognition of Kosovo) was discussed again for May 2016, but Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić called it off after hearing the negative opinion of Irinej's Orthodox Church.[24] In July 2018, Irinej confirmed that it was still not the right moment for a visit of the Pope to Serbia, "because of everything that has happened in the past, and a huge number of [Serb] refugees from Croatia, a large portion of the nation is against it."[25]

In May 2019, Pope Francis stated that Irinej had helped in the reflection in the Catholic Church about the canonization of World War II Croatian Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac, which the Serbian Orthodox Church opposes due to his role in the Nazi-allied Independent State of Croatia (NDH). "I sought advice and I saw that I need to seek help from Irinej. He is a great patriarch. Irinej helped, we created a joint historic commission, and we cooperated," said the Pope. "The truth is both mine and Irinej's only interest."[26]

Construction of the Church of Saint Sava

edit

After the Hagia Sophia was converted to a mosque in July 2020, the Patriarch Irinej and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić on 20 August 2020 expressed their wish, that the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade might indirectly replace the Hagia Sophia after which it was modelled, and become a ″New Hagia Sophia″.[27][28]

During last three years of the Patriarch Irinej's tenure, the Serbian Government spent 43 million euro on renovating the church. Also, Gazprom Company donated 10.5 million euro towards the church’s construction.[29]

Response to allegations of sexual abuse in the Church

edit

Irinej has been criticized for his lack of action in regards to allegations of pedophilia within the Serbian Orthodox Church, which were reported in the summer of 2012 and affected public opinion in Serbia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The scandal, initially covered up, led to the resignation of the Tuzla and Zvornik bishop, Vasilije Kačavenda, who was accused of having abused children for decades.[30] A court in London ruled that the Serbian Orthodox Church was not guilty for the six reported cases of alleged pedophilia in the lawsuit filed by a group of citizens. The suit was rejected and the group had to pay 160,000£ to the Serbian Orthodox Church.[31]

Other

edit

As the Patriarch, Irinej headed the Bishops' Council and the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Following his death on 20 November 2020, Metropolitan Hrizostom of Dabar-Bosnia, a senior member of the Holy Synod, became the acting Guardian of the Throne until the election of new patriarch.[32]

Positions on morality and politics

edit

Abortion

edit

Irinej was firmly against abortion. In 2017, he stated in a local newspaper that it is "a woman's duty to give birth in order to regenerate the nation".[33] In 2019 he condemned a performance by women's rights activists, which placed an apron saying 'Abortion is a Woman's Right' on a monument to his predecessor Patriarch Pavle in Belgrade. "Doing something like this is shameful, whatever the reason. It’s not nice," he said, recalling that the church and Patriarch Pavle were opposed to abortion.[34]

Homosexuality

edit

Irinej was openly against of the freedom of expression of the LGBTI community in Serbia. In 2011, Irinej labelled the planned pride parade in Belgrade a "pestilence" and a "parade of shame".[35]

In October 2012, Irinej wrote to Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dačić to express concern over the "moral" image of Belgrade and Serbia, "our centuries-long Christian culture and the dignity of our family, as the foundation block of humankind". "I am writing to you all on behalf of the Serbian Orthodox Church and its followers ... Authorities must take immediate action to bring this scandal to a halt".[30]

In 2014, in an interview for Nedeljnik, he stated: "I feel sorry for those people who belong to the so-called gay community. It is a disorder or deviation of human nature. I can understand them, as well as their problem, but I cannot understand what they impose on us and what they show in public."[4] He denounced the Belgrade Pride as "immoral" and "imposed by the homosexual lobby and their mentors from Western Europe".[33]

In 2017, when Ana Brnabić was appointed the Serbian prime minister, the first openly gay person to serve in the office, Irinej did not openly criticise the choice of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić: "The Serbian Orthodox Church does not peek through other people’s windows and does not deal with the private lives of state officials," a press release stated. "It is extremely irresponsible to present scandalous details or someone’s personal temptations to the media and thus expose people to potential danger. The church never condemns. It condemns only sin, only evil, and pities man."[4]

Domestic relations

edit

Irinej and the Serbian Orthodox Church were considered very close to the political leadership of Serbia under SNS' Aleksandar Vučić, in power since 2012. Vučić was awarded the highest decoration of the Church, the Order of Saint Sava, in October 2020. The year before, Irinej criticised the anti-government protests, stating that "what we see in streets today is not good" and that, "it gives strength to our enemies".[4] Irinej and the Serbian Orthodox Church were also considered opposed to any deal with Kosovo under the EU-facilitated normalisation dialogue.[4]

In January 2013, Irinej openly advocated for the restoration of the Serbian monarchy, after the liturgy commemorating the transfer of the remains of King Peter II to Serbia from the United States.[36]

Kosovo

edit

On 4 October 2010, Patriarch Irinej said that international recognition of Kosovo was a "sin".[37] Speaking about the Orthodox monasteries in Kosovo, Irinej said in 2015 that "if force is deployed" to deprive Serbia of its cultural and historical heritage, "we will do all we can to defend them, by peaceful means or by force."[33]

In 2018, in multiple occasions Irinej publicly supported Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, stating that he was "fighting like a lion" to maintain Kosovo as a part of Serbia.[38] The same year, Irinej suggested that the Serbian Orthodox Church could rename itself as the Serbian Orthodox Church – Patriarchate of Peć, to highlight the links with Kosovo, in a move that was interpreted as in opposition to the government's participation in the EU-facilitated normalisation dialogue with Kosovo.[39]

International relations

edit

European Union

edit
 
Irinej with Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, in Church of Saint Sava, Belgrade (2011)

Regarding the possible accession of Serbia to the European Union, Irinej said that: "Serbia should not look with suspicion at the EU, if the EU respects the Serbian identity, culture and religion. We believe that we are an historical part of Europe, and we want to be in this comity of nations. In the accession we will accept everything, that is not in contradiction with our cultural and historical identity."[40][41]

In 2018, Irinej claimed that the European Union is not actually "very eager" to accept Serbia as a new member State "because of our friendship with Russia, and [EU's] internal reasons of theirs; they keep making new preconditions all the time and demand from us to accept their solution over Kosovo and Metohija."[38]

Bosnia and Herzegovina

edit

On 10 November 2010, Irinej stated in an interview that "the Drina River [between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina] is not a border but a bridge that connects us. Although, in a way, we are one even today, God willing, we will soon really be one." Irinej elaborated that for now "it is enough that we are one as a nation, as the Orthodox Church, and that we are on the same path of St. Sava and Christ." He praised the Serbs of Banja Luka stating that "[they fight] to preserve the Serb name. Although this is not at all an easy task, they are succeeding."[42]

In January 2012, Irinej referred to Republika Srpska, one of two entities comprising Bosnia and Herzegovina, as "the youngest Serbian state". The Office of the High Representative (OHR) responded and stated that the Republika Srpska is not a state but rather an entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The OHR noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina's Constitution "left no room for any kind of the entity’s sovereignty" and that "the entity’s jurisdiction was not an indication of any sort of statehood."[43]

In November 2017, he called the life sentence handed out by the Hague Tribunal to former VRS General Ratko Mladić for, inter alia, the Srebrenica genocide "a work of the devil". He deemed the sentence as part of a global conspiracy against the Serbs. "One more Serb has been convicted in The Hague. We knew Ratko Mladić would be convicted and that everything would play out this way. Unfortunately, we can't do anything about it," said the Patriarch. "This is all happening because the many global wielders of power are doing the devil's work and we are suffering the consequences."[44][45][46]

Irinej often attended Serbian Orthodox Church and public events of the Bosnian Serb leadership. On 9 January 2019, he attended the Republika Srpska's Statehood Day parade in Banja Luka, together with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić. The Statehod Day celebration had been found unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2015.[47]

Syria

edit

In June 2019, Irinej visited Syrian President Bashar al Assad in Syria. In an official statement, Patriarch Irinej "highly praised the principled and firm support" of the Assad regime in backing Serbia with regard to Kosovo.[48]

Death and funeral

edit

Illness and death

edit

On 4 November 2020, Irinej tested positive for COVID-19 after attending, as well as presiding over,[49] the 1 November funeral of Metropolitan Amfilohije, who also tested positive and had died from COVID-19.[50][51] The large crowds at Amfilohije's funeral did not practise social distancing or wear masks and Amfilohije's casket was open during the service.[49][52] On 14 November, it was reported that his health condition was "stable and under control during hospitalization" in the military COVID hospital in Belgrade.[53] On 19 November, he was intubated.[52] Some media outlets reported that Irinej had died; the Serbian Orthodox Church issued a statement refuting these claims, but said that Irinej was in worsening health at a military hospital in Belgrade.[54] Some members of the press still insisted that the news of Irinej's death had been confirmed by reputable sources.[55]

Irinej's death was officially announced on 20 November at 7:07 am CET.[2][51][52] On the same day, the Government of Serbia, as well as Republika Srpska, declared three-day mourning following his death, while the town of Budva, Montenegro, declared a day of mourning on 23 November, a day after Irinej's funeral.[56] French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences in the Serbian Cyrillic script.[57] Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences, as did the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Epiphanius I, and the deputy of the Department for External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church, Archpriest Nikolay Balashov.[56] The European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi tweeted his condolences to Serbia's people.[58] Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, sent a message of condolence to the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and all Africa.[59][60] Pope Francis stated that Irinej was "an example of faith and dialogue".[61]

The Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy stated that "The late Primate [Irinej], during his Patriarchal service, reflected the profound Orthodox feelings of the Serbian people, as well as his hope for a better future. Until today, he strived, without sparing any effort, for the unity of the One and Indivisible Church of Christ and the troubles that concern the modern world."[62] The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity stated that "throughout his ministry, His Holiness [Irinej] remained an example of faith and dialogue, humble and joyful, totally dedicating his life to God and fostering the spirit of communion within the Serbian Orthodox Church."[63] Many other organizations sent their messages of condolence, including Appeal of Conscience Foundation and German Bishops' Conference.[64][65]

Aftermath

edit
External videos
  Transfer of the Patriarch Irinej's body to the Church of Saint Sava, Tanjug News Agency
  LIVE — The funeral of Patriarch Irinej, Tanjug News Agency
 
Irinej's grave in the crypt of Church of Saint Sava

On 21 November, Irinej's body was brought to St. Michael's Cathedral in Belgrade where was held the Divine Liturgy on the feast day of the cathedral and the second-largest slava celebrated in Serbia. Following the ceremony, his body was carried to the Church of Saint Sava in Vračar, Belgrade,[66][67] and thousands of mourners passed by the coffin which, in consideration of coronavirus and the circumstances of the Patriarch’s death, had a glass lid.[68] On the same date, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, the Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate and the chief delegate of the Russian Orthodox Church delegation, arrived in Belgrade for Irinej's funeral.[69]

His funeral was held on 22 November at the Church of Saint Sava.[70] After the Holy Liturgy, speeches were given by Protoiereus-Staurophore Petar Lukić, Bishop Irinej of Bačka, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik.[71] In his speech, President Vučić said that love was the basis of the faith of the late patriarch, and his Serbia was the one he created himself - a Serbia of peace, a Serbia that understands and brings people together.[72] Irinej is the first Serbian Patriarch to be buried in the crypt of the Church.[73]

Funeral service was also attended by numerous government ministers of Serbia and various politicians from the Balkans including the Prime Minister-designate of Montenegro Zdravko Krivokapić and President of Republika Srpska Željka Cvijanović, and dignitaries such as Prince Filip Karađorđević and Stanislav Hočevar, the Catholic archbishop of Belgrade.[74][75]

Bishop David of Kruševac who led Irinej's funeral service tested positive for COVID-19 following the funeral.[76] At the time, Bishop David is one of the four remaining members of the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Awards and honours

edit

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e "Biography of newly elected Patriarch Irinej of Serbia". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 23 January 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d "Serbian Patriarch Irinej reposed in the Lord". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 20 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  3. ^ "Patriarch's Biography". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 18 October 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Serbia Mourns Aged Patriarch's Death from COVID-19". balkaninsight.com. 20 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  5. ^ "COMMUNIQUE From the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church Held in Belgrade May 14-22, 2009". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  6. ^ B92: Vladika niški Irinej novi patrijarh (Bishop of Nis Irinej is the new Patriarch), 22 January 2010 (in Serbian)
  7. ^ a b Babic, Boris (22 January 2010). "Profile: Serbia's new Patriarch Irinej, a Traditionalist and Diplomat". Archived from the original on 9 December 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
  8. ^ Barlovac, Bojana (22 January 2010). "Bishop Irinej Is New Serbian Orhodox Patriarch". Balkan Insight. Archived from the original on 27 January 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
  9. ^ "Bishop of Nis elected new Serbian patriarch". The Sofia Echo. 22 January 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
  10. ^ Stojanovic, Dusan (22 January 2010). "Irinej, a moderate, elected as Serbian Orthodox Church leader". The Canadian Press. Retrieved 22 January 2010.[dead link]
  11. ^ Earth Times: Serbian church promotes Bishop Irinej to new patriarch Archived 28 November 2020 at the Wayback Machine, 22 January 2010
  12. ^ Serbian Orthodox Church. "Enthronement of Patriarch Irinej of Serbia". Retrieved 23 January 2010.
  13. ^ "Enthronement of Patriarch Irinej of Serbia". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 6 March 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  14. ^ Serbian Orthodox Church. "His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch, ushered into the Throne of the Patriarchs of Pech". Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  15. ^ "Ustoličen patrijarh Irinej". Radio Slobodna Evropa. 4 October 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  16. ^ "Ustoličen patrijarh Irinej". rts.rs. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  17. ^ "Moderate bishop Irinej elected as Serbian Orthodox Church leader". Daily News and Economic Review. Turkey. 22 January 2010. Retrieved 22 January 2010.
  18. ^ ""Patriarch Irinej insults Islam"". B92. 28 January 2010. Archived from the original on 3 February 2010.
  19. ^ "Statement of Patriarch Irinej of Serbia". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 6 March 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  20. ^ "Muslims accept the apology of Patriarch of Serbia". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 6 March 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  21. ^ B92: Irinej: Papa u Srbiji 2013. godine? (Irinej: Pope in Serbia in 2013?), 21 January 2010 (in Serbian)
  22. ^ Pope's visit would be welcomed by the SPC Beta, Tanjug Archived 2 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 26 January 2010
  23. ^ "Former President Nikolic canceled pope's visit to Serbia". b92.net. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  24. ^ ""Former President Nikolic canceled pope's visit to Serbia"". b92.net. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  25. ^ "Irinej: "Now is not a good time for the Pope to visit Serbia"". serbianmonitor.com. 3 July 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  26. ^ "Pope to Croatian journalist: Serbian patriarch has helped". b92.net. 5 August 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  27. ^ "Vučić: Hram Svetog Save će biti nova Sveta Sofija". rts.rs. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  28. ^ "More Than a Church – New 'Hagia Sophia' is Big Deal for Serbia". balkaninsight.com. 23 October 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  29. ^ "43 million euro spent on renovating St. Sava Temple in last three years". serbianmonitor.com. 21 August 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  30. ^ a b "Bosnia: religion, nationalism and pedophilia". balcanicaucaso.org. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  31. ^ Čalija, Jelena. "SPC isplaćena naknada zbog odbačene tužbe u Londonu". Politika Online. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  32. ^ "Ko je čovek koji upravlja SPC do izbora novog patrijarha". nova.rs. 20 November 2020.
  33. ^ a b c "Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Irinej dies after coronavirus infection". dw.com. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  34. ^ "Serbian church head condemns performance by women's organizations". rs.n1info.com. Archived from the original on 9 March 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  35. ^ Walid, Diamond (7 October 2011). "Serbia has bowed to homophobia". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  36. ^ Serbian Patriarch Irinej states that Serbia needs emperor or king, or some form of parliamentary monarchy Archived 29 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  37. ^ "Serbian Patriarch Irinej calls Kosovo recognition a "sin"". Southeast European Times. 4 October 2010. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
  38. ^ a b "Patriarch Irinej of Serbia compares president Vucic to a 'lion'". balkaneu.com. 16 October 2018. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  39. ^ Vasovic, Aleksandar (8 March 2018). "Serbia's Orthodox Church to change name to stress Kosovo link". reuters.com. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  40. ^ RTS: Србија је у Европи (Serbia is in Europe), 28 January 2010, retrieved 28 January 2010 (in Serbian)
  41. ^ Blic online: Patrijarh Irinej: Nema potrebe da zaziremo od Evropske unije (Patriarch Irenaeus: No need to shy away from the European Union) Archived 18 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved 28 January 2010 (in Serbian)
  42. ^ ""God willing, Serbs in Serbia, Bosnia will be one"". B92. 15 November 2010. Archived from the original on 20 December 2010.
  43. ^ "OHR reacts to patriarch's statement". B92. 11 January 2012. Archived from the original on 20 July 2012.
  44. ^ "PATRIARCH IRINEJ: FIGHT HORRIBLE INJUSTICE WITH UNITY AND WORK". srna.rs. Retrieved 22 November 2020.[permanent dead link]
  45. ^ "Patriarch: Mladic verdict is work of devil". b92.net. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  46. ^ "Il patriarca dei serbi Irinej difende il boia di Srebrenica". ilpiccolo.gelocal.it. 26 November 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  47. ^ "Bosnian Serbs celebrate Statehood Day defying court ban". aa.com.tr. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  48. ^ "Head of Serbian Orthodox Church finds common ground with Assad regime". trtworld.com. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  49. ^ a b Goillandeau, Martin; Fox, Kara (20 November 2020). "Church patriarch dies from Covid-19 after leading open-casket funeral of bishop killed by the virus". CNN. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  50. ^ "Serbian Orthodox Church head tests positive for coronavirus". rs.n1info.com. 4 November 2020. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  51. ^ a b Vasovic, Aleksandar (20 November 2020). "Patriarch of Serbian Orthodox Church dies of coronavirus". reuters.com. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  52. ^ a b c "Covid-19: Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Irinej dies". BBC News. 20 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  53. ^ "Military hospital says Serbian church head well". rs.n1info.com. 14 November 2020. Archived from the original on 14 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  54. ^ "The condition of the Patriarch is difficult; SPC issued a statement". B92. 19 November 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  55. ^ "Zvanični izvori: Patrijarh živ, u teškom stanju". nova.rs. 19 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  56. ^ a b "Three-day mourning in Serbia, RS, Budva over SPC Patriarch's death; condolences". rs.n1info.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  57. ^ "@EmmanuelMacron 's Tweet". twitter.com. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  58. ^ "@OliverVarhelyi 's tweet". twitter.com. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  59. ^ "Patriarch of Antioch extends condolences for the Patriarch of Serbia". orthodoxtimes.com. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  60. ^ "PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA: PATRIARCH OF SERBIA WAS A GREAT SPIRITUAL FIGURE". patriarchateofalexandria.com. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  61. ^ "Serbian Patriarch Irinej was a model of faith and dialogue - Vatican News". www.vaticannews.va. 21 November 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  62. ^ "ATHENS, NOVEMBER 21, 2020. CONDOLENCES OF THE INTERPARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY ON ORTHODOXY (I.A.O.) OVER THE DEMISE OF PATRIARCH IRINEJ OF SERBIA". eiao.org. Archived from the original on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  63. ^ "Serbian Patriarch Irinej was a model of faith and dialogue". vaticannews.va. 21 November 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  64. ^ "Statement by Rabbi Arthur Schneier on the Repose of Patriarch Irinej". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  65. ^ "Немачка бискупска конференција жали због упокојења српског патријарха Иринеја". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  66. ^ "No anti-epidemic measures at liturgy for late Orthodox Church head Irinej". rs.n1info.com. Archived from the original on 21 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  67. ^ "Press communication". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 20 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  68. ^ Vasovic, Aleksandar (21 November 2020). "Thousands turn out to mourn Serbia's Patriarch, despite COVID-19 surge". Reuters. Archived from the original on 22 November 2020.
  69. ^ "Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk arrived in Belgrade". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  70. ^ "Patrijarh Irinej sahranjen u kripti Hrama Svetog Save". rs.n1info.com. 22 November 2020. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  71. ^ "The Holy Liturgy and the Funeral Rite for the late Patriarch Irinej". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  72. ^ "Address by the President of the Republic of Serbia at the funeral of Patriarch Irinej". predsednik.rs. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  73. ^ "Serbian Patriarch Irinej buried at crypt of Saint Sava's Temple". srbija.gov.rs. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  74. ^ "Молитвени испраћај патријарха и оца нашег Иринеја (ВИДЕО)". Православна Митрополија црногорско-приморска (Званични сајт) (in Serbian). 22 November 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  75. ^ "Ko je sve od poznatih prisutan na sahrani Irineja". nova.rs. 22 November 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  76. ^ "Bishop who led Patriarch's funeral service tests positive for coronavirus". rs.n1info.com. Archived from the original on 23 November 2020. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  77. ^ "His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch". www.czipm.org. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  78. ^ "Serbian Patriarch". royalhouseofgeorgia.ge. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  79. ^ Srpska, RTRS, Radio Тelevizija Republike Srpske, Radio Television of Republic of. "ИРИНЕЈ ОСВЕШТАО НОВОИЗГРАЂЕНУ ЦРКВУ У МОДРИЧИ". РЕПУБЛИКА СРПСКА - РТРС. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  80. ^ a b "Od Vidova do poglavara: Ko je bio patrijarh Irinej?". B92.net (in Serbian). 20 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  81. ^ "Почасни докторат Патријарху српском Иринеју | Српска Православна Црква [Званични сајт]". spc.rs. Archived from the original on 17 May 2019. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
edit
Eastern Orthodox Church titles
Preceded by Serbian Patriarch
2010–2020
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Jovan (Ilić)
Bishop of Niš
1975–2010
Succeeded by
Jovan (Purić)
Preceded by
Lavrentije (Trifunović)
Titular bishop of Moravica
1974–1975
Succeeded by
Jefrem (Milutinović)