Written by: Catechist Branislav Ilić
We present here the full address of catechist Branislav Ilić, editor of the Kinonia portal, delivered at the discussion panel held in the ceremonial hall of the parish house of the Church of St. Sava in Vračar, on Sunday, 14 September 2025, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Kinonia portal.
“God be with us! Thank you for the opportunity to say a few words, even though I do not consider myself equal to the stature of the previous speakers, whom I regard as my role models. I matured in the missionary field alongside Father Oliver—indeed, as you noted, since 2015, though I would even say a few years earlier. Reading The Orthodox Missionary, and especially its editorial introductions, left an indelible mark on my spiritual growth. I was since granted the honour of serving on the editorial board of The Orthodox Missionary, which I have done for ten years now. I must not forget to mention either the obedience entrusted to me on the diocesan radio station Beseda, where I have served for ten years. From the very beginning of my service as a religious education teacher, I was given both the obedience and the blessing of our bishop, now Metropolitan, to contribute through broadcasts dedicated to the Church’s liturgical life. All of this proved to be an excellent preparation for this portal and project, as well as for my affirmative response to Father Oliver when he invited me, from day one of the Missionary Department, to serve as a permanent associate in the Section for Electronic Mission.
What I, as a mere servant—since I do not truly consider myself an editor—can say about Kinonia is the importance of its collaborative effort. We have created a genuine and authentic fellowship of people who, above all, serve with the blessing of their parish priest; and for the clergy, with the blessing of their diocesan bishop. That is the first and foundational level. Each contributor was further recommended not only by the content of their biography but also by their active participation in the life of the Church. As Deacon Aleksandar rightly pointed out, among our professors and doctors there are not only theologians, but also historians, professors of philosophy, and others. We have gathered a fine team of people willing to bear witness to their experience of faith in a genuine manner.
What I would particularly highlight regarding this portal is the beautiful and loving cooperation we enjoy with almost all dioceses of our local Church, as well as with many media workers within the Serbian Orthodox Church. You have had the opportunity to see the film prepared through the kindness and support of Hram Television, which has supported Kinonia from the very first day. The official announcement of the portal’s launch was made last year in the Morning Programme of Hram Television. Some time ago, we initiated a monthly series of conversations within that same programme, and it has already borne fruit. I have received positive feedback from my students, who follow these broadcasts regularly and, thanks to them, are able to receive answers to questions concerning faith and life in a broader context.
When I mention religious education, I would also add this: many religious teachers and catechists have testified to me that they regularly use material from the Kinonia portal as supplementary resources in their classrooms. In the period ahead, we shall endeavor to devote greater attention to this area, so that we may contribute even more concretely to religious education. We already have good preparations in place—it only remains for us to bring them to fruition.”
In conclusion to my brief address, I would like to emphasize what is most essential in the work of the Kinonia portal. None of this would be possible, none of it would have borne fruit or brought joy to us all, without the people who give the very last atom of their strength, investing their time, their knowledge, and their goodwill in this project—doing so voluntarily and without remuneration. During this past year, not once have I found myself saying: “Today I have nothing to publish.” Rather, I have encountered something else: questions from our collaborators asking, “When will my text be published?” I am truly grateful that the Lord has sent such people. Many of them I have known from before; many joined along the way as the portal developed; many came forward on their own initiative, and some I personally invited. They are all highly educated individuals, including a large number of scholars with doctoral degrees, several hierarchs who actively participate in the life of the portal, abbots, clergy, and others. I pray to God that we may persevere and advance along the path upon which we have now set out, and I am convinced that this evening’s gathering will offer an important contribution to the future of the Kinonia portal.
I owe great gratitude to Father Oliver Subotić, who showed understanding for my youthful inexperience in The Orthodox Missionary, and who now wholeheartedly supports everything I do. I thank him for his care and fatherly concern, ensuring that the mission always proceeds along the right path and never strays into a wrong direction. My gratitude also extends to Father Aleksandar, presbyter, with whom I matured together in The Orthodox Missionary. No less gratitude do I owe to Mrs. Sanja Lubardić, with whom I have enjoyed a fruitful collaboration for many years. I am thankful for her sisterly love toward the work I do in the service of the Church. I recall with clarity how you supported my missionary endeavors in The Orthodox Missionary, pointing out from your personal professional and life experience that mission must never be reduced to self-promotion, but must always remain in the service of the proclamation of Christ. For Christ is first, and we who serve the mission take the last place.
It is these works of love that I now recall, and I rejoice to be here this evening among such remarkable and great people, who are, as I have said once again, my true role models.