SPC metropolitan laid to rest in Zagreb

SPC metropolitan laid to rest in Zagreb

ZAGREB -- Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) Metropolitan Jovan of Zagreb and Ljubljana Jovan, who passed away on April 3, was buried on Saturday.

The SPC dignitary was laid to rest at the Cathedral Church of Holy Transfiguration of the Lord in Zagreb.

The funeral liturgy was served by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Chuch (SPC) in the presence of representatives of religious communities, politicians and numerous believers.

According to Patriarch Irinej, Metropolitan Jovan was well-known in the Church and among Orthodox believers for his Christian warmth, gentleness and serenity.

He was appointed bishop in 1977 and in 1982 he claimed the position of the administrator of the Metropolitanate of Zagreb and Ljubljana, the patriarch said.

In the grim times, Metropolitan Jovan knew how to perform his duties in the best possible way, Irinej said.

The funeral was attended by Croatian President Ivo Josipović, Assembly Speaker Josip Leko, Croatian prime minister's envoy Minister Mirando Mrsić, representative of the Serbian government Mileta Radojević, Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia Alessandro D'Errico, Archbishop of Zagreb Josip Bozanić, Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandić, President of the Serb National Council in Croatia Milorad Pupovac and other officials.

Bishop Fotije of Dalmatia was appointed as administrator of the Metropolitanate of Zagreb and Ljubljana after he received the visit of Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović who came to express deepest condolences on Friday.

Metropolitan Jovan was born in the village of Medinci near Slatina in Slavonia on October 22, 1936.

He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox...