Canberra: Celebration of St Sava's Day in Canberra

27. Jan 2023.
On Saint Sava's Day, on the eve of the traditional and largest celebration of this holiday, a feature film about Saint Nektarios of Aegina “Man of God”, directed by Jelena Popović, was shown at the monastery of Saint Sava Novi Kalenić near Canberra. The event was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Australia, Rade Stefanović, as well as the Australian-New Zealand Bishop Siluan, clergy, monks and numerous members of the Serbian community from Canberra and other places.

Bishop Silouan, together with the clergy, served the Holy Bishop's Liturgy, which was attended by many Orthodox believers. The Liturgy was followed by speeches from Bishop Siluan and Ambassador Stefanović, who officially opened the 42nd St.Sava Youth Festival.

Bishop Siluan emphasised the importance and role of the monastery of St. Sava Novi Kalenić near Canberra for the spiritual well-being and survival of the Serbian people in Australia and New Zealand.

After greeting the attendees, Ambassador Stefanović specifically referred to the importance of St. Sava in the tradition and culture of our people, particularly his educational work - which is why he is celebrated as a school Slava in Serbia. In this context, Ambassador Stefanović emphasised the importance of preserving the Serbian language and culture in the Serbian diaspora, which is a high priority for the state of Serbia.