BISHOP IRINEJ CELEBRATES NAMES DAY AT NEW MARCHA MONASTERY

On Saturday, September 5, 2026, His Grace Bishop Irinej celebrated the feast day of his heavenly patron, St. Irenaeus of Lyon, at New Marcha Monastery in Richfield, Ohio, with clergy and guests from the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Boston and Washington Deaneries.

The day’s festivities began with the concelebration of the Holy Hierarchical and Divine Liturgy. Responses were offer by the Monastery Singers under the directorship of Dr Nikola Resanovic, joined by members of the Njegos Choir of the St. Sava Cathedral of Cleveland, Ohio.

In his homily the Bishop extolled the extensive teachings and influences of St. Irenaeus, one of the early church fathers whose life and teachings continue to illuminate our path of faith. St. Irenaeus, who lived in the second century, played a pivotal role in the development of early Christian theology. He is the earliest surviving witness to regard the four Canonical Gospels as essential to the faith.

Born in Smyrna, in 130 AD, he became a disciple of St. Polycarp of Smyrna, who himself was a student of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian. This direct link to the Apostolic Tradition underscores the importance of preserving the teachings of Christ and the Apostles.

St. Irenaeus moved from Asia Minor to Lyon, France, then a part of the Roman Empire, where he would later serve as a bishop, shepherding the Christian community through a time of great trial and persecution at the hands of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Irenaeus himself became a martyr for Christ, witnessing to the Lord with his teachings and the shedding of blood.

What stands out in the legacy of St. Irenaeus is his unwavering commitment to defend the faith against heresies that threatened to diverge the Church from its true foundation. He emphasized the importance of Scripture, Tradition and Apostolic Succession, as the three pillars of the faith.

He underscored how the authentic teachings of Christ that he are passed down through the bishops, guard the Church against false doctrines. His monumental work, "Against Heresies," is a testament to his theological acumen, where he ardently defended the faith and articulated a coherent understanding of Christian doctrine.

Toward the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Djokan Majstorovic of Paterson, New Jersey, was honored with performing the Rite of the Patronal Feast - Monastic Slava for His Grace.

Following the Liturgy, the clergy and faithful were hosted by the Abbess of New Marcha Monastery, Mother Paraskeva, and the Sisterhood of St. Petka Circle of Serbian Sisters of the St. Sava Cathedral of Cleveland, led by Stanka Nikolic, to a bountiful Agape Meal - Slava Table of Love. Many guests remained until the evening hours, engaged in conversation with the Bishop and enjoying the resplendent and tranquil pastoral atmosphere of the Monastery.