On Saturday, May 13, 2023, following the celebrations of St. Basil of Ostrog in Ostrog and Niksic on the previous day, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America celebrated a Memorial Service for His late Eminence, Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral.

The service was celebrated, with the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, in the crypt chapel of St. Amphilochius of Iconium, in the Holy Resurrection Cathedral Church of Podgorica, Montenegro.

Metropolitan Amfilohije, a world renown hierarch, theologian, author and poet was a mentor to many Orthodox hierarchs, clergy and laity throughout the world. His voluminous works are translated in many languages.

As the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro and the Littoral, the late Metropolitan ushered in societal changes, which are notably tangible, including this year’s first celebration of St. Basil as the official Patron of the Municipality of Niksic.

Bishop Irinej recalled with fondness his recollections of this saintly and great archpastor, who was his consecrating hierarch. His Grace also had the distinct honor to teach pedagogy at the Orthodox Theological Faculty of Belgrade University, the cathedra of which was held by Metropolitan Amfilohije.

May his memory be eternal!