On September 24, 2024, in the Great Hall of the Moscow Theological Academy, a presentation was held for the book authored by Archimandrite Sergije (Puškar), titled:
“The Life, Missionary Activity, and Teachings of Saint Nikolaj (Velimirović) of Serbia.”
The book was written by a graduate of the Moscow Theological Academy and published by the Academy’s publishing house.
The monograph is based on a doctoral dissertation defended in 2022 at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) by Archimandrite Sergije, an alumnus of MTA. Its aim is to offer a comprehensive view of the life and theological legacy of one of the most prominent hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the 20th century — Saint Nikolaj Velimirović.
In his youth, Saint Nikolaj studied at some of Europe’s most prestigious universities, such as Bern (Switzerland), Oxford (UK), and Geneva (Switzerland). He received his theological education at the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy. His later life included leading the Ohrid Diocese, imprisonment in the Dachau concentration camp during WWII, and intense missionary work in the United States.
The author, Archimandrite Sergije (Puškar), is the abbot of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos Monastery — New Gracanica in Chicago (New Gracanica–Midwestern Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church), as well as Vice Rector and Professor at the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology in Chicago.
In his introductory remarks, the author spoke about Saint Nikolaj’s life journey, with special attention to his courageous witness to Christ during the hardships of WWII and the era of communist persecution of the Church. He then focused on Saint Nikolaj’s missionary service and efforts to organize church life in America. The presentation concluded with a discussion, during which the author answered questions from the audience.
At the end of the event, guests had the opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed by the author.
