Serbs in Vienna celebrate Saint Sava’s Day with a ceremonial Academy: Following the example of Saint Sava

Organized by the Serbian Orthodox Parish of Saint Sava, a Saint Sava’s Academy was held this evening in Vienna, highlighting the importance of the first Serbian archbishop and founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church as one of the key figures in Serbian history.

The program featured performances by the choir of the Cathedral Church of Saint Sava in Vienna and the children’s choir “Svetosavci,” conducted by Iva Mrvos Anokic, as well as the “Small Choir” of the Serbian Cultural and Educational Society Prosvjeta in Austria.

Actor Bojan Žirovic recited poems dedicated to Saint Sava.

In addition to clergy and worshippers, the academy was attended by the Ambassador of Serbia to Austria, Marko Blagojevic; Serbia’s Ambassador to International Organizations in Vienna, Zarko Obradovic; representatives of the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and military attachés.

Bishop of Moravica and Vicar of the Serbian Patriarch, Tihon, blessed the slavski kolač, while this year’s patrons of the celebration were Oliver and Vesna Nastasijevic.

Ambassador Blagojevic emphasized that there is no Serb who does not know something about Saint Sava, above all for his kindness and holiness.

“Every Serb knows him for good and speaks well of him. There is no Serb who does not love Saint Sava, who was renowned for his faith and patriotism. When we look to Saint Sava, we see a symbol of Serbian identity. To be a Serb is a source of pride, because it means chivalry, honor, and responsibility. That is why I named my son after Saint Sava,” Blagojevic said.

In his address, he called for unity among the Serbian people, stressing that if we do not take care of our people and our homeland, we do not truly honor Saint Sava.

Bishop Tihon, conveying the blessing of Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, noted that there are many written works about Saint Sava, showing that what he did was a continuation of the mission of the holy apostles.

He said that this evening’s Saint Sava’s Academy also demonstrates that the mission and work of Saint Sava are still alive.

“We should not only remember Saint Sava, but follow his example,” Bishop Tihon concluded.

The Saint Sava’s Academy ended with a joint performance of the hymn dedicated to Saint Sava.