The temple feast was celebrated in Hilandar – The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple

The brotherhood of the Holy Imperial Serbian Lavra of Hilandar solemnly celebrated its feast day (slava), the feast of The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple.

Guests of the monastery’s brotherhood included the envoy of His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, His Grace Bishop Tihon of Moravica, who presided over the Holy Liturgy, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Miloš Vučević, His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarije of Corfu, Paxos, and the Diapontian Islands, His Grace Bishop Heruvim of Osijek-Polje and Baranja, the civil governor of Mount Athos Stefanis Alkiviadis, and His Excellency Mr. Nikola Nedeljković, Serbian Ambassador to Athens.

According to the ancient custom established since the time of Saint Sava, the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi takes the honorary Abbot’s place at this Hilandar feast for one day. Instead of the Very Reverend Archimandrite Jefrem, who was prevented from coming due to illness, Hieromonk Timotej, a brother of Vatopedi, took this place.

Monks from other Athonite brotherhoods, clergy, and pilgrims from Serbia and other countries also attended.

At the festive service, the choir brotherhood of the cell of the Holy Unmercenaries in New Skete, led by Elder Damaskin, chanted on the right side. The brethren from the Hilandar cell of St. Nicholas “Burazeri” chanted on the left side.

After the Holy Liturgy, a festive meal was served in the monastery refectory.

Photo: Monk Milutin Hilandarac