On the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, 23 August 2026, His Grace Bishop Nektarije of London and Great Britain and Ireland presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral Church of St Sava in London
His Grace was concelebrated by the Reverend Goran Spajić, assisted by Subdeacons Simon Tingley and Nenad Kačarević.
Following the reading of the Gospel, Father Goran addressed the faithful, interpreting the Gospel passage concerning the rich young man who, having kept the commandments of the Law, asked the Lord what more he lacked in order to inherit eternal life.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Nektarije addressed the gathered faithful with a pastoral exhortation. He emphasised that the Gospel of the day calls us to free our hearts from all that binds us to the things of this passing world. The period of the Dormition Fast is an opportunity to cleanse ourselves of the burdens of this world and to make room in our hearts for Christ.
Following the service, refreshments were served in the parish hall, and the gathering continued with the faithful engaging in conversation with the Bishop on matters of faith and spiritual life.
During the Divine Liturgy, prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the newly departed handmaid of God, Nikolija Petrović, a long-standing and devoted parishioner of the Cathedral Church of St Sava.
Born in Belgrade, Nikolia raised her family in London, devoting her life to her family, her sons, the Church and those around her. For many years, she led the Circle of Serbian Sisters at the Cathedral, organising numerous charitable initiatives and parish celebrations, and always representing her Church with dignity.
She bore her own personal trials quietly, never burdening others, while offering help to everyone without distinction. Through her dedication and support, she also contributed to the early years of the newly established Diocese of Britain and Ireland, leaving behind an example of faithfulness, self-sacrifice and love for her Church. Towards the end of her earthly life, as she was released from the burdens of this world, she prepared in faith for her encounter with Christ.
The Diocese and the parish community in London will preserve with gratitude the memory of her love and all that she did for them.
May the Lord grant her the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal remembrance.
