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Patriarch IrinejBishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church
Date of Birth: 28.08.1930
Country:  Operator |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Monastic and Academic Career
- Episcopal Career
- Patriarchy
- Archpastoral Message
- Awards and Honors
- Other Awards:
- - Diploma from the Catholic Foundation "Pro Oriente" (Austria, 2010)
Early Life and Education
Born on August 28th, 1930 in the village of Vidova, Miroslav Radović received the name in Christ, Irenaeus, at his baptism. Completing his primary education in his hometown, he graduated from the Prizren Seminary in 1951. Pursuing higher theological studies, he obtained a degree from Belgrade University's Faculty of Theology and continued to the graduate level at the University of Athens' Faculty of Theology.
Monastic and Academic Career
Following his university studies, Irenaeus served in the military before taking monastic vows in 1959 at Rakovica Monastery under Patriarch German of Serbia. Ordained a hierodeacon and hieromonk shortly thereafter, he taught at Prizren Seminary from 1959 to 1968. In 1969, he became the Director of the monastic school at Ostrog Monastery.
Returning to Prizren Seminary in 1971, Irenaeus served as its professor and rector until 1974.
Episcopal Career
Elected as Vicar Bishop to the Serbian Patriarch in 1974 with the title "Moravić," Irenaeus was consecrated as Bishop on July 14th of the same year. At the Holy Synod held from May 21st to 28th, 1975, he was elected Bishop of Niš and installed on June 15th.
Patriarchy
On January 22nd, 2010, the Archbishops' Synod elected Irenaeus as the new Patriarch of Serbia. His first enthronement took place in Belgrade on January 23rd, 2010. The official enthronement was initially planned for April 25th, 2010, at the Patriarchal See of Peć in Kosovo but was postponed due to political difficulties.
The second enthronement occurred on October 3rd, 2010, at the Church of the Holy Apostles in the Peć Patriarchate, under increased security measures provided by Italian KFOR troops. Serbian President Boris Tadić, Prince Alexander Karadjordjević, over 400 other officials, and more than 6000 faithful attended the ceremony.
Archpastoral Message
Addressing the faithful after his enthronement, Patriarch Irenaeus emphasized the need for peace, harmony, and love among the people, hoping that the wounds inflicted by hatred and malice would be healed.
Awards and Honors
State Awards:- Order of the Republic of Srpska (2011)
- Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (Ukraine, 2013)
Ecclesiastical Awards:
- Order of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Prince Vladimir (Russian Orthodox Church, 2013)
- Order of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco (Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, 2015)
- Order of St. Nicholas (Šabac Diocese, Serbian Orthodox Church, 2016)
Other Awards:
- Order of the Star of Karadjordje (Serbian Royal House, 2013)- Tesla Medal (Serbian Royal Society of Academicians, Innovators, and Scientists, 2013)
- Order of the Eagle of Georgia and the Holy Robe of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Georgian Royal House, 2011)
- Diploma from the Catholic Foundation "Pro Oriente" (Austria, 2010)
- Honorary Doctorate from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (USA, 2015)
- Award of the International Public Fund for the Unity of Orthodox Peoples (2018)
