Просмотр кода страницы Английская Википедия:Irinej, Serbian Patriarch

{{Английская Википедия/Панель перехода}}
{{short description|Serbian patriarch}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox Christian leader
| type = 
| honorific-prefix = [[His Holiness]]
| name = Irinej
| native_name = Иринеј
| title = [[Patriarchate of Peć (monastery)|Archbishop of Peć]], [[Archbishopric of Belgrade and Karlovci|Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovci]], and [[Serbian Patriarch]]
| image = Патриарх Сербский Ириней 2019.jpg
| imagesize = 200px
| alt = 
| caption = Patriarch Irinej in 2019
| church = [[Serbian Orthodox Church]]
| elected = 22 January 2010
| enthroned = 23 January 2010 {{small|([[St. Michael's Cathedral, Belgrade|Belgrade]])}} <br /> 3 October 2010 {{small|([[Patriarchate of Peć (monastery)|Peć]])}}
| ended = 20 November 2020
| predecessor = [[Pavle, Serbian Patriarch|Pavle]]
| successor = [[Porfirije, Serbian Patriarch|Porfirije]]
| ordination = 24 October 1959
| ordained_by = [[German, Serbian Patriarch|Patriarch German]]
| consecration = 1 May 1974
| consecrated_by = Patriarch German
| rank = [[Patriarch]]
| previous_post = [[Eparchy of Niš|Bishop of Niš]] (1975–2010)<br> Titular Bishop of [[Moravica District|Moravica]] (1974–1975)
<!---------- Personal details ---------->
| birth_name = Miroslav Gavrilović
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1930|08|28|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Vidova]], [[Drina Banovina]], [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2020|11|20|1930|08|28}}
| death_place = [[Belgrade]], Serbia
| buried = [[Church of Saint Sava]], Belgrade
| nationality = Serbian
| religion = [[Eastern Orthodoxy]]
| residence = [[Niš]] <small>(1975–2010)</small><br>Belgrade <small>(2010–2020)</small>
| alma_mater = [[University of Belgrade]]
| signature = Patriarch Irinej of Serbia - signature.png
| other = 
}}
{{Infobox manner of address
| background  = plum
| name        = Serbian Patriarch Irinej
| image       = 
| image_size  = 190px
| reference   = [[His Holiness]]
| spoken      = Your Holiness
| religious   = [[Patriarch]]
| posthumous  = His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Blessed Repose
}}
'''Irinej''' ({{lang-sr-Cyrl|Иринеј}}, {{IPA-sh|irǐneːj|pron}}, {{lang-en|Irenaeus}}; born '''Miroslav Gavrilović'''; 28 August 1930{{spnd}}20 November 2020) was the head of the [[Serbian Orthodox Church]] from 2010 until his death in 2020. 

He had first been the [[Eparchy of Niš|bishop of Niš]] between 1975 and 2010, and then the [[patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church]] from 22 January 2010 succeeding [[Pavle, Serbian Patriarch|Pavle]], until his death. He was considered, both abroad and at home, to be a [[moderate]] traditionalist, open to global [[inter-religious dialogue]].{{By whom|date=February 2021}}

== Early life ==
Irinej was born as Miroslav Gavrilović ({{IPA-sh|mǐroslaʋ ɡaʋrǐːloʋitɕ|pron}}; {{lang-sr-Cyrl|Мирослав Гавриловић}}) in [[Vidova]] near [[Čačak]], [[Kingdom of Yugoslavia]] (now [[Serbia]]). After graduating from [[high school]], he enrolled and completed the [[Serbian Orthodox Seminary of Prizren]]. He then enrolled at the [[University of Belgrade]]'s Theological Faculty and served in [[Yugoslav People's Army|the army]] after graduating.<ref name="SoC">{{cite web |title=Biography of newly elected Patriarch Irinej of Serbia |url=http://www.spc.rs/eng/biography_newly_elected_patriarch_irinej_serbia |website=spc.rs |access-date=20 November 2020 |archive-date=23 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123064603/http://www.spc.rs/eng/biography_newly_elected_patriarch_irinej_serbia |url-status=dead }}</ref> After [[compulsory military service]], he was [[tonsure]]d a [[monk]] in 1959 in [[Rakovica monastery]], receiving the [[religious name|monastic name]] of "Irinej" (from {{lang-grc|[[Irenaeus|Εἰρηναῖος]]}}, {{IPA|grc|eːrɛːˈnâi̯os|lang|link=yes}}; [[Irenaeus]]).<ref name=SoC/> He was a professor at the Prizren Seminary, and completed [[postgraduate studies]] in [[Athens]]. In 1969, he was appointed a head of the monastic school at [[Ostrog Monastery]]. In 1969, he returned to Prizren, where he was appointed [[Rector (ecclesiastical)|Rector]] of the Prizren Seminary.<ref name="SoC"/>

== Titular bishop and the Bishop of Niš ==
=== Titular bishop of Moravica (1974–1975) ===
Irinej was elected [[titular bishop]] of [[Moravica District|Moravica]] in May 1974.<ref name="SoC"/><ref name="spc2011"/> As the bishop of Moravica, he was a [[vicar]] to the [[Serbian patriarch]], at the time to Patriarch [[German, Serbian Patriarch|German]].

After one year, he left the position following his election for the [[bishop of Niš]].

=== Bishop of Niš (1975–2010) ===
In May 1975, Irinej was elected bishop of Niš and [[Enthronement|enthroned]] in the [[Holy Trinity Cathedral (Niš)|Holy Trinity Cathedral]] on 15 June 1975 in [[Niš]].<ref name="SoC"/><ref name="spc2011"/> When the Prizren Seminary was displaced from [[Prizren]] due to [[Kosovo War]] in 1999, he made it possible that a new building of the Seminary was built in Niš, where the Seminary continued its work.<ref name="spc-irinej">{{cite web |title=Patriarch's Biography |url=http://www.spc.rs/eng/patriarch_1 |website=spc.rs |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=18 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018183156/http://www.spc.rs/eng/patriarch_1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Irinej headed the [[Eparchy of Niš]] for 35 years.<ref name="BI"/>

Bishop Irinej was elected to the [[Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church]] as a member in May 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=COMMUNIQUE From the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church Held in Belgrade May 14-22,2009 |url=http://spc.rs/eng/communique_holy_assembly_bishops_serbian_orthodox_church_held_belgrade_may_14222009 |website=spc.rs |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

== Serbian Patriarch (2010–2020) ==

=== Election and inauguration ===
Irinej was elected [[Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church]] on 22 January 2010,<ref>[[B92]]: [http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2010&mm=01&dd=22&nav_category=12&nav_id=405930 Vladika niški Irinej novi patrijarh (''Bishop of Nis Irinej is the new Patriarch'')], 22 January 2010 {{in lang|sr}}</ref><ref name="MaC">{{cite web|url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1527595.php/PROFILE-Serbia-s-new-patriarch-Irinej-a-traditionalist-and-diplomat|title=Profile: Serbia's new Patriarch Irinej, a Traditionalist and Diplomat|last=Babic|first=Boris|date=22 January 2010|access-date=22 January 2010|archive-date=9 December 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209050138/www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1527595.php/PROFILE-Serbia-s-new-patriarch-Irinej-a-traditionalist-and-diplomat|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/25173/ |title=Bishop Irinej Is New Serbian Orhodox Patriarch |last=Barlovac |first=Bojana |date=22 January 2010 |work=Balkan Insight |access-date=22 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127024340/http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/25173/ |archive-date=27 January 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sofiaecho.com/2010/01/22/846734_bishop-of-nis-elected-new-serbian-patriarch|title=Bishop of Nis elected new Serbian patriarch|date=22 January 2010|work=The Sofia Echo|access-date=22 January 2010}}</ref> two months after the death of previous patriarch, [[Pavle, Serbian Patriarch|Pavle]], becoming the 45th [[Patriarch]]. He was one of the three candidates with the most votes from the [[Bishops' Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church|45 bishops eligible]] in the Serbian Orthodox Church, along with former [[locum tenens]] (interim leader) Metropolitan [[Amfilohije Radović|Amfilohije]] [[Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral|of Montenegro and the Littoral]] and Bishop [[Irinej Bulović|Irinej]] [[Eparchy of Bačka|of Bačka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jxsx5C8r9mtAc31SVtHkpY5TsQdg|title=Irinej, a moderate, elected as Serbian Orthodox Church leader|last=Stojanovic|first=Dusan|date=22 January 2010|publisher=The Canadian Press|access-date=22 January 2010}}</ref> In the final phase, his name was pulled from a sealed envelope. In this way, the Serbian Orthodox Church believes the patriarch is elected by [[divinity|divine]] intervention, sidelining human interests.<ref>Earth Times: [http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/305236,serbian-church-promotes-bishop-irinej-to-new-patriarch--summary.html Serbian church promotes Bishop Irinej to new patriarch], 22 January 2010</ref>

Irinej was enthroned on 23 January 2010 in [[St. Michael's Cathedral, Belgrade|St. Michael's Cathedral]] in [[Belgrade]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arhiva.spc.rs/eng/enthronement_patriarch_irinej_serbia.html|title=Enthronement of Patriarch Irinej of Serbia|access-date=23 January 2010|author=Serbian Orthodox Church}}</ref> The inauguration was attended by numerous [[Cabinet of Mirko Cvetković|government ministers]] of Serbia, representatives of churches and religious communities in Serbia, and various politicians including the Prime Minister [[Mirko Cvetković]], [[List of prime ministers of Republika Srpska|Prime Minister of Republika Srpska]] [[Milorad Dodik]], Apostolic Nuncio [[Orlando Antonini]], [[Archbishop#Western Christianity|Catholic archbishop]] [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Belgrade|of Belgrade]] [[Stanislav Hočevar]], Serbian Mufti [[Muhamed Jusufspahić]], and Crown Prince [[Alexander, Crown Prince of Yugoslavia|Alexander Karađorđević]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Enthronement of Patriarch Irinej of Serbia |url=http://www.spc.rs/eng/enthronement_patriarch_irinej_serbia |website=spc.rs |access-date=30 November 2020 |archive-date=6 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306151610/http://www.spc.rs/eng/enthronement_patriarch_irinej_serbia |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Irinej held his formal enthronement to the ancient throne of the Serbian patriarch in the [[Patriarchate of Peć (monastery)|Patriarchal Monastery of Peć]] on 3 October 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arhiva.spc.rs/eng/his_holiness_irinej_serbian_patriarch_introduced_throne_patriarchs_pec.html|title=His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch, ushered into the Throne of the Patriarchs of Pech|access-date=3 October 2010|author=Serbian Orthodox Church}}</ref> The enthronement was attended by many dignitaries including [[Serbian President]] [[Boris Tadić]], [[Croatian Parliament]] member [[Milorad Pupovac]], [[Russian Orthodox Church|Russian Metropolitan]] [[Hilarion (Alfeyev)|Hilarion]], [[Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem|Jerusalem Archbishop]] Theophylactos of Iordanos, [[Georgian Orthodox Church|Georgian Metropolitan]] Gerasimos of Zugdidi and Tsaishi, [[Romanian Orthodox Church|Romanian Metropolitan]] Irineu, [[Bulgarian Orthodox Church|Bulgarian Metropolitan]] Domentian of Vidin, [[Church of Cyprus|Cypriot Metropolitan]] Chrysostomos, [[Orthodox Church of Albania|Albanian Metropolitan]] Ignatios of Berat, Archbishop Hočevar, Mufti Jusufspahić, Crown Prince Alexander and princes [[Peter, Hereditary Prince of Yugoslavia|Peter]], [[Prince Philip of Yugoslavia|Philip]], and [[Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (born 1982)|Alexander]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ustoličen patrijarh Irinej |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/ustolicenje_patrijarha_irineja_pecka_patrijarsija/2175117.html |newspaper=Radio Slobodna Evropa |date=4 October 2010 |access-date=30 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ustoličen patrijarh Irinej |url=https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/125/drustvo/774084/ustolicen-patrijarh-irinej.html |website=rts.rs |access-date=30 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue ===
Irinej was considered, both abroad and at home, as a [[moderate]] traditionalist, open to global [[inter-religious dialogue]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/wires.php?id=3468101_serbia-patriarch-belgrade-serbia-moderate-bishop-irinej-elected-as-serbian-orthodox-church-leader|title=Moderate bishop Irinej elected as Serbian Orthodox Church leader |date=22 January 2010|work=Daily News and Economic Review|access-date=22 January 2010|location=Turkey}}</ref>

On 28 January 2010, at his first news conference, Irinej stated that "Islam’s philosophy was that Muslims, when they are in small numbers, can behave well and be fair, but that once they become superior, they start to exert pressure." The [[Islam in Serbia|Islamic Community in Serbia]] (IZS) said that it found the remarks to be "insulting Islam" and responded with a letter to the Serbian Orthodox Church requesting an official interpretation of his statement. The Islamic Community in Serbia condemned what they called "insulting and false accusations".<ref>{{cite news|title="Patriarch Irinej insults Islam"|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=01&dd=28&nav_id=64834|newspaper=B92|date=28 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100203195117/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=01&dd=28&nav_id=64834|archive-date=3 February 2010}}</ref> On 29 January, he expressed regrets for his statement and its consequences, and to Muslims, as neighbours and brothers he extended apologies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Statement of Patriarch Irinej of Serbia |url=http://www.spc.rs/eng/statement_patriarch_irinej_serbia |website=spc.rs |access-date=30 November 2020}}</ref> Hereupon his apologies were accepted.<ref>{{cite web |title=Muslims accept the apology of Patriarch of Serbia |url=http://www.spc.rs/eng/muslims_accept_apology_patriarch_serbia |website=spc.rs |access-date=30 November 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Manastir Tronoša-proslava 700 godina postojanja 164.jpg|thumb|Irinej on the 700th anniversary of the establishment of the [[Tronoša Monastery]] (2017)]]
In 2010, Irinej indicated he would not oppose the first-ever visit by the [[pope]] of the [[Catholic Church]] to Serbia in 2013 as part of celebrations of the 1,700th anniversary of the [[Edict of Milan]], the law under which [[Roman emperor]] [[Constantine I]], who was born in Niš, ended the persecution of [[Christians]]. Irinej said that "there is the wish of the Pope" for a meeting in Niš and that it would be a chance "not just for a meeting, but for a dialogue".<ref name=MaC/><ref>[[B92]]: [http://b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2010&mm=01&dd=21&nav_category=12&nav_id=405665 Irinej: Papa u Srbiji 2013. godine? (''Irinej: Pope in Serbia in 2013?'')], 21 January 2010 {{in lang|sr}}</ref><ref>[http://www.b92.net/eng/news/society-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=01&dd=26&nav_id=64769 Pope's visit would be welcomed by the SPC ''Beta'', ''Tanjug''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202053558/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/society-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=01&dd=26&nav_id=64769 |date=2 February 2010 }}. Retrieved 26 January 2010</ref> The visit of the Pope did not take place, as Irinej's Orthodox Church insisted on a papal apology for [[Genocide of Serbs in the Independent State of Croatia|crimes committed against Serbian Orthodox during World War II]]. ”An apology would be a gesture that instills hope that something like that will never happen again," said Irinej.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former President Nikolic canceled pope's visit to Serbia |url=https://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2018&mm=07&dd=06&nav_id=104571 |website=b92.net | date=7 June 2018 |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

A visit by [[Pope Francis]] (deemed politically useful for Serbia's battle against the [[international recognition of Kosovo]]) was discussed again for May 2016, but Serbian President [[Tomislav Nikolić]] called it off after hearing the negative opinion of Irinej's Orthodox Church.<ref>{{cite web |title="Former President Nikolic canceled pope's visit to Serbia" |url=https://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2018&mm=07&dd=06&nav_id=104571 |website=b92.net | date=7 June 2018 |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref> In July 2018, Irinej confirmed that it was still not the right moment for a visit of the Pope to Serbia, "because of everything that has happened in the past, and a huge number of [Serb] refugees from Croatia, a large portion of the nation is against it."<ref>{{cite web |title=Irinej: "Now is not a good time for the Pope to visit Serbia" |url=https://www.serbianmonitor.com/en/irinej-now-is-not-a-good-time-for-the-pope-to-visit-serbia/ |website=serbianmonitor.com |date=3 July 2018 |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

In May 2019, Pope Francis stated that Irinej had helped in the reflection in the Catholic Church about the [[canonization]] of World War II [[Catholic Church in Croatia|Croatian]] [[Cardinal (Catholic Church)|Cardinal]] [[Aloysius Stepinac]], which the Serbian Orthodox Church opposes due to his role in the Nazi-allied [[Independent State of Croatia]] (NDH). "I sought advice and I saw that I need to seek help from Irinej. He is a great patriarch. Irinej helped, we created a joint historic commission, and we cooperated," said the Pope. "The truth is both mine and Irinej's only interest."<ref>{{cite web |title=Pope to Croatian journalist: Serbian patriarch has helped |url=https://www.b92.net/eng/news/region.php?yyyy=2019&mm=05&dd=08&nav_id=106784 |website=b92.net | date=5 August 2019 |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Construction of the Church of Saint Sava ===
After the [[Hagia Sophia]] was [[Hagia Sophia#Reversion to mosque (2018–present)|converted to a mosque]] in July 2020, the Patriarch Irinej and the President of Serbia, [[Aleksandar Vučić]] on 20 August 2020 expressed their wish, that the [[Church of Saint Sava]] in [[Belgrade]] might indirectly replace the Hagia Sophia after which it was modelled, and become a ″New Hagia Sophia″.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vučić: Hram Svetog Save će biti nova Sveta Sofija |url=https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/125/drustvo/4054526/vucic-patrijarh-irinej-hram-svetog-save.html |website=rts.rs |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=More Than a Church – New 'Hagia Sophia' is Big Deal for Serbia |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2020/10/23/more-than-a-church-new-hagia-sophia-is-big-deal-for-serbia/ |website=balkaninsight.com |date=23 October 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref>

During last three years of the Patriarch Irinej's tenure, the Serbian Government spent 43 million [[euro]] on renovating the church. Also, [[Gazprom]] Company donated 10.5 million euro towards the church’s construction.<ref>{{cite web |title=43 million euro spent on renovating St. Sava Temple in last three years |url=https://www.serbianmonitor.com/en/43-million-euro-spent-on-renovating-st-sava-temple-in-last-three-years/ |website=serbianmonitor.com |date=21 August 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Response to allegations of sexual abuse in the Church ===
Irinej has been criticized for his lack of action in regards to allegations of [[pedophilia]] within the Serbian Orthodox Church, which were reported in the summer of 2012 and affected public opinion in Serbia and in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]. The scandal, initially covered up, led to the resignation of the [[Eparchy of Zvornik and Tuzla|Tuzla and Zvornik bishop]], [[Vasilije Kačavenda]], who was accused of having abused children for decades.<ref name=OBCT/> A court in London ruled that the Serbian Orthodox Church was not guilty for the six reported cases of alleged pedophilia in the lawsuit filed by a group of citizens. The suit was rejected and the group had to pay 160,000£ to the Serbian Orthodox Church.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Čalija|first=Jelena|title=SPC isplaćena naknada zbog odbačene tužbe u Londonu|url=http://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/469398/SPC-isplacena-naknada-zbog-odbacene-tuzbe-u-Londonu|access-date=2021-01-12|website=Politika Online}}</ref>

=== Other ===
As the Patriarch, Irinej headed the [[Bishops' Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church|Bishops' Council]] and the [[Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church|Holy Synod]] of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Following his death on 20 November 2020, Metropolitan [[Hrizostom Jević|Hrizostom]] [[Metropolitanate of Dabar-Bosnia|of Dabar-Bosnia]], a senior member of the Holy Synod, became the acting [[List of heads of the Serbian Orthodox Church|Guardian of the Throne]] until the election of new patriarch.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ko je čovek koji upravlja SPC do izbora novog patrijarha |url=https://nova.rs/vesti/drustvo/ko-je-covek-koji-upravlja-spc-do-izbora-novog-patrijarha/ |website=nova.rs|date=20 November 2020 }}</ref>

== Positions on morality and politics ==

=== Abortion ===
Irinej was firmly against [[abortion]]. In 2017, he stated in a local newspaper that it is "a woman's duty to give birth in order to regenerate the nation".<ref name=DW/>
In 2019 he condemned a performance by women's rights activists, which placed an apron saying 'Abortion is a [[Women's rights|Woman's Right]]' on a monument to his predecessor [[Pavle, Serbian Patriarch|Patriarch Pavle]] in Belgrade. "Doing something like this is shameful, whatever the reason. It’s not nice," he said, recalling that the church and Patriarch Pavle were opposed to abortion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Serbian church head condemns performance by women's organizations |url=http://rs.n1info.com/English/NEWS/a465941/Serbian-church-head-condemns-performance-by-women-s-organizations.html |website=rs.n1info.com |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Homosexuality ===
Irinej was openly against of the freedom of expression of the [[LGBT rights in Serbia|LGBTI community in Serbia]]. In 2011, Irinej labelled the planned [[pride parade]] in Belgrade a "pestilence" and a "parade of shame".<ref name="Diamond Walid">{{cite news|last=Walid|first=Diamond|authorlink=|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/oct/07/serbia-homophobia-gay-pride-parade |title=Serbia has bowed to homophobia |agency=[[The Guardian]] |date=7 October 2011 |access-date=14 May 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

In October 2012, Irinej wrote to [[Serbian Prime Minister]] [[Ivica Dačić]] to express concern over the "moral" image of Belgrade and Serbia, "our centuries-long Christian culture and the dignity of our family, as the foundation block of humankind". "I am writing to you all on behalf of the Serbian Orthodox Church and its followers ... Authorities must take immediate action to bring this scandal to a halt".<ref name="OBCT">{{cite web |title=Bosnia: religion, nationalism and pedophilia |url=https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Bosnia-Herzegovina/Bosnia-religion-nationalism-and-pedophilia-132934 |website=balcanicaucaso.org |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

In 2014, in an interview for ''[[Nedeljnik]]'', he stated: "I feel sorry for those people who belong to the so-called gay community. It is a disorder or deviation of human nature. I can understand them, as well as their problem, but I cannot understand what they impose on us and what they show in public."<ref name=BI/> He denounced the Belgrade Pride as "immoral" and "imposed by the homosexual lobby and their mentors from Western Europe".<ref name=DW/>

In 2017, when [[Ana Brnabić]] was appointed the Serbian prime minister, the [[List of the first LGBT holders of political offices|first openly gay]] person to serve in the office, Irinej did not openly criticise the choice of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić: "The Serbian Orthodox Church does not peek through other people’s windows and does not deal with the private lives of state officials," a press release stated. "It is extremely irresponsible to present scandalous details or someone’s personal temptations to the media and thus expose people to potential danger. The church never condemns. It condemns only sin, only evil, and pities man."<ref name=BI/>

=== Domestic relations ===
Irinej and the Serbian Orthodox Church were considered very close to the political leadership of Serbia under [[Serbian Progressive Party|SNS]]' [[Aleksandar Vučić]], in power since 2012. Vučić was awarded the highest decoration of the Church, the [[Order of Saint Sava]], in October 2020. The year before, Irinej criticised the [[2018–2020 Serbian protests|anti-government protests]], stating that "what we see in streets today is not good" and that, "it gives strength to our enemies".<ref name="BI">{{cite web |title=Serbia Mourns Aged Patriarch's Death from COVID-19 |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2020/11/20/serbia-mourns-aged-patriarchs-death-from-covid/ |website=balkaninsight.com |date=20 November 2020 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref> Irinej and the Serbian Orthodox Church were also considered opposed to any deal with Kosovo under the EU-facilitated normalisation dialogue.<ref name=BI/>

In January 2013, Irinej openly advocated for the restoration of the [[Kingdom of Serbia|Serbian monarchy]], after the liturgy commemorating the transfer of the remains of King [[Peter II of Yugoslavia|Peter II]] to Serbia from the [[United States]].<ref>[http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=168062 Serbian Patriarch Irinej states that Serbia needs emperor or king, or some form of parliamentary monarchy] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029202922/http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=168062 |date=29 October 2013 }}. Retrieved 23 January 2013.</ref>

==== Kosovo ====
On 4 October 2010, Patriarch Irinej said that [[international recognition of Kosovo]] was a "sin".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.setimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/newsbriefs/2010/10/04/nb-04 |access-date=11 October 2010 |title=Serbian Patriarch Irinej calls Kosovo recognition a "sin" |publisher=Southeast European Times |date=4 October 2010 }}</ref> Speaking about the [[Medieval Monuments in Kosovo|Orthodox monasteries in Kosovo]], Irinej said in 2015 that "if force is deployed" to deprive Serbia of its cultural and historical heritage, "we will do all we can to defend them, by peaceful means or by force."<ref name="DW">{{cite web |title=Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Irinej dies after coronavirus infection |url=https://www.dw.com/en/serbian-orthodox-church-patriarch-irinej-dies-after-coronavirus-infection/a-55672210 |website=dw.com |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref>

In 2018, in multiple occasions Irinej publicly supported Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, stating that he was "fighting like a lion" to maintain [[Kosovo]] as a part of [[Serbia]].<ref name=BEU/> The same year, Irinej suggested that the Serbian Orthodox Church could rename itself as the Serbian Orthodox Church – [[Serbian Patriarchate of Peć|Patriarchate of Peć]], to highlight the links with Kosovo, in a move that was interpreted as in opposition to the government's participation in the EU-facilitated normalisation dialogue with Kosovo.<ref>{{cite news |title=Serbia's Orthodox Church to change name to stress Kosovo link |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-serbia-church-kosovo-idUSKCN1GK1XX |website=reuters.com |date=8 March 2018 |access-date=22 November 2020|last1=Vasovic |first1=Aleksandar }}</ref>

=== International relations ===
==== European Union ====
[[File:Vladimir Putin in Serbia March 2011-37.jpeg|thumb|Irinej with [[Vladimir Putin]], [[President of Russia]], in [[Church of Saint Sava]], [[Belgrade]] (2011)]]
Regarding the [[Accession of Serbia to the European Union|possible accession of Serbia]] to the [[European Union]], Irinej said that: "Serbia should not look with suspicion at the EU, if the EU respects the [[Serbian national identity|Serbian identity]], [[Serbian culture|culture]] and [[Serbian Orthodox Church|religion]]. We believe that we are an historical part of [[Europe]], and we want to be in this comity of nations. In the accession we will accept everything, that is not in [[contradiction]] with our cultural and historical identity."<ref>[[Radio Television of Serbia|RTS]]: [http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/125/Dru%C5%A1tvo/465231/Srbija+je+u+Evropi.html Србија је у Европи (''Serbia is in Europe'')], 28 January 2010, retrieved 28 January 2010 {{in lang|sr}}</ref><ref>[[Blic]] online: [http://www.blic.rs/Vesti/Drustvo/174298/Irinej-Nema-razloga-da-se-zazire-od-Evropske-unije Patrijarh Irinej: Nema potrebe da zaziremo od Evropske unije (''Patriarch Irenaeus: No need to shy away from the European Union'')] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318095357/http://www.blic.rs/Vesti/Drustvo/174298/Irinej-Nema-razloga-da-se-zazire-od-Evropske-unije |date=18 March 2012 }}, Retrieved 28 January 2010 {{in lang|sr}}</ref>

In 2018, Irinej claimed that the European Union is not actually "very eager" to accept Serbia as a new member State "because of our [[Serbia-Russia relations|friendship with Russia]], and [EU's] internal reasons of theirs; they keep making new preconditions all the time and demand from us to accept their solution over [[Kosovo and Metohija]]."<ref name="BEU">{{cite web |title=Patriarch Irinej of Serbia compares president Vucic to a 'lion' |url=https://balkaneu.com/patriarch-irinej-of-serbia-compares-president-vucic-to-a-lion/ |website=balkaneu.com |date=16 October 2018 |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

==== Bosnia and Herzegovina ====
On 10 November 2010, Irinej stated in an interview that "the [[Drina River]] [between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina] is not a border but a bridge that connects us. Although, in a way, we are one even today, God willing, we will soon really be one." Irinej elaborated that for now "it is enough that we are one as a nation, as the Orthodox Church, and that we are on the same path of [[St. Sava]] and Christ." He praised the Serbs of [[Banja Luka]] stating that "[they fight] to preserve the Serb name. Although this is not at all an easy task, they are succeeding."<ref>{{cite news|title="God willing, Serbs in Serbia, Bosnia will be one"|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=11&dd=15&nav_id=70920|newspaper=B92|date=15 November 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220061539/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=11&dd=15&nav_id=70920|archive-date=20 December 2010}}</ref>

In January 2012, Irinej referred to [[Republika Srpska]], one of two entities comprising [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], as "the youngest Serbian state". The [[Office of the High Representative]] (OHR) responded and stated that the Republika Srpska is not a state but rather an entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The OHR noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina's Constitution "left no room for any kind of the entity’s sovereignty" and that "the entity’s jurisdiction was not an indication of any sort of statehood."<ref>{{cite news|title=OHR reacts to patriarch's statement|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region-article.php?yyyy=2012&mm=01&dd=11&nav_id=78230|newspaper=B92|date=11 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720175936/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region-article.php?yyyy=2012&mm=01&dd=11&nav_id=78230|archive-date=20 July 2012}}</ref>

In November 2017, he called the [[life sentence]] handed out by the [[International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia|Hague Tribunal]] to former [[Army of Republika Srpska|VRS]] General [[Ratko Mladić]] for, inter alia, the [[Srebrenica genocide]] "a work of the devil". He deemed the sentence as part of a global conspiracy  [[Anti-Serb sentiment|against the Serbs]]. "One more Serb has been convicted in The Hague. We knew Ratko Mladić would be convicted and that everything would play out this way. Unfortunately, we can't do anything about it," said the Patriarch. "This is all happening because the many global wielders of power are doing the devil's work and we are suffering the consequences."<ref>{{cite web |title=PATRIARCH IRINEJ: FIGHT HORRIBLE INJUSTICE WITH UNITY AND WORK |url=http://www.srna.rs/novosti1/547353/patriarch-irinej-fight-horrible-injustice-with-unity-and-work.htm |website=srna.rs |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Patriarch: Mladic verdict is work of devil |url=https://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2017&mm=11&dd=24&nav_id=102879 |website=b92.net | date=24 November 2017 |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Il patriarca dei serbi Irinej difende il boia di Srebrenica |url=https://ilpiccolo.gelocal.it/trieste/cronaca/2017/11/26/news/il-patriarca-dei-serbi-irinej-difende-il-boia-di-srebrenica-1.16166541 |website=ilpiccolo.gelocal.it |date=26 November 2017 |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

Irinej often attended Serbian Orthodox Church and public events of the [[Bosnian Serb]] leadership. On 9 January 2019, he attended the Republika Srpska's Statehood Day parade in [[Banja Luka]], together with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić. The Statehod Day celebration had been found unconstitutional by the [[Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bosnian Serbs celebrate Statehood Day defying court ban |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/bosnian-serbs-celebrate-statehood-day-defying-court-ban/1360338 |website=aa.com.tr |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

==== Syria ====
In June 2019, Irinej visited [[President of Syria|Syrian President]] [[Bashar al Assad]] in [[Syria]]. In an official statement, Patriarch Irinej "highly praised the principled and firm support" of the [[Assad regime]] in [[Serbia–Syria relations|backing Serbia]] with regard to Kosovo.<ref>{{cite web |title=Head of Serbian Orthodox Church finds common ground with Assad regime |url=https://www.trtworld.com/europe/head-of-serbian-orthodox-church-finds-common-ground-with-assad-regime-27254 |website=trtworld.com |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

== Death and funeral ==
=== Illness and death ===
{{see also|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion#Serbian Orthodox Church}}
On 4 November 2020, Irinej tested positive for [[COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia|COVID-19]] after attending, as well as presiding over,<ref name=openfuneral /> the 1 November funeral of [[Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral|Metropolitan]] [[Amfilohije Radović|Amfilohije]], who also tested positive and had died from COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web |title=Serbian Orthodox Church head tests positive for coronavirus |url=http://rs.n1info.com/English/NEWS/a668422/Serbian-Orthodox-Church-head-tests-positive-for-coronavirus.html |website=rs.n1info.com |date=4 November 2020 |access-date=20 November 2020 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128062010/http://rs.n1info.com/English/NEWS/a668422/Serbian-Orthodox-Church-head-tests-positive-for-coronavirus.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="reuters1"/> The large crowds at Amfilohije's funeral did not practise [[Social distancing measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic|social distancing]] or wear masks and Amfilohije's casket was open during the service.<ref name="openfuneral">{{Cite web|url= https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/20/europe/serbian-orthodox-church-patriarch-irinej-dies-covid-19-intl/index.html |title=Church patriarch dies from Covid-19 after leading open-casket funeral of bishop killed by the virus|first1=Martin|last1=Goillandeau |first2=Kara|last2=Fox |website=CNN|date=20 November 2020 |access-date=20 November 2020}}</ref><ref name="bbc2011">{{cite news |title=Covid-19: Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Irinej dies |work=BBC News |date=20 November 2020 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55013132 |access-date=20 November 2020}}</ref> On 14 November, it was reported that his health condition was "stable and under control during hospitalization" in the military COVID hospital in Belgrade.<ref>{{cite web |title=Military hospital says Serbian church head well |url=http://rs.n1info.com/English/NEWS/a672087/Military-hospital-says-Serbian-church-head-well.html |website=rs.n1info.com |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=20 November 2020 |archive-date=14 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114192218/http://rs.n1info.com/English/NEWS/a672087/Military-hospital-says-Serbian-church-head-well.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 19 November, he was [[intubation|intubated]].<ref name="bbc2011"/> Some media outlets reported that Irinej had died; the Serbian Orthodox Church issued a statement refuting these claims, but said that Irinej was in worsening health at a military hospital in Belgrade.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.b92.net/eng/news/society.php?yyyy=2020&mm=11&dd=19&nav_id=109720 |title = The condition of the Patriarch is difficult; SPC issued a statement|work = [[B92]]|date = 19 November 2020|access-date = 19 November 2020}}</ref> Some members of the press still insisted that the news of Irinej's death had been confirmed by reputable sources.<ref name="nova.rs">{{cite web |title=Zvanični izvori: Patrijarh živ, u teškom stanju |url=https://nova.rs/vesti/drustvo/patrijarh-irinej-u-teskom-stanju/ |website=nova.rs |date=19 November 2020 |access-date=20 November 2020}}</ref>

Irinej's death was officially announced on 20 November at 7:07 am [[Central European Time|CET]].<ref name="spc2011">{{cite web |title=Serbian Patriarch Irinej reposed in the Lord |url=http://www.spc.rs/eng/serbian_patriarch_irinej_reposed_lord |website=spc.rs |access-date=20 November 2020 |archive-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120114149/http://www.spc.rs/eng/serbian_patriarch_irinej_reposed_lord |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="reuters1">{{cite news |title=Patriarch of Serbian Orthodox Church dies of coronavirus |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/serbia-patriarch-death/patriarch-of-serbian-orthodox-church-dies-due-to-coronavirus-idINKBN2800LP |website=reuters.com |date=20 November 2020 |access-date=20 November 2020|last1=Vasovic |first1=Aleksandar }}</ref><ref name="bbc2011"/> On the same day, the [[Government of Serbia]], as well as [[Republika Srpska]], declared [[National day of mourning|three-day mourning]] following his death, while the town of [[Budva]], [[Montenegro]], declared a day of mourning on 23 November, a day after Irinej's funeral.<ref name="condolences">{{cite web |title=Three-day mourning in Serbia, RS, Budva over SPC Patriarch's death; condolences |url=http://rs.n1info.com/English/NEWS/a674371/Three-day-mourning-in-Serbia-after-SPC-Patriarch-s-death.html |website=rs.n1info.com |access-date=20 November 2020 |archive-date=20 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120122859/http://rs.n1info.com/English/NEWS/a674371/Three-day-mourning-in-Serbia-after-SPC-Patriarch-s-death.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[President of France|French President]] [[Emmanuel Macron]] expressed his condolences in the Serbian [[Cyrillic script]].<ref>{{cite web |title=@EmmanuelMacron 's Tweet |url=https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1329858232123265028 |website=twitter.com |access-date=20 November 2020}}</ref> [[Russian President]] [[Vladimir Putin]] sent his condolences, as did the head of the [[Orthodox Church of Ukraine]], [[Epiphanius I of Ukraine|Epiphanius I]], and the deputy of the [[Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate|Department for External Church Relations]] of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]], Archpriest Nikolay Balashov.<ref name="condolences"/> The [[European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement]] [[Olivér Várhelyi]] tweeted his condolences to Serbia's people.<ref>{{cite web |title=@OliverVarhelyi 's tweet |url=https://twitter.com/OliverVarhelyi/status/1329808133368197124 |website=twitter.com |access-date=20 November 2020}}</ref> Patriarch [[John X of Antioch|John X]] [[Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch|of Antioch and All the East]], sent a message of condolence to the [[Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church]], as well as Patriarch [[Theodore II of Alexandria|Theodore]] [[Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria|of Alexandria and all Africa]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Patriarch of Antioch extends condolences for the Patriarch of Serbia |url=https://orthodoxtimes.com/patriarch-of-antioch-extends-condolences-for-the-patriarch-of-serbia/ |website=orthodoxtimes.com |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA: PATRIARCH OF SERBIA WAS A GREAT SPIRITUAL FIGURE |url=http://www.patriarchateofalexandria.com/index.php?module=news&action=details&id=1695 |website=patriarchateofalexandria.com |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref> [[Pope Francis]] stated that Irinej was "an example of faith and dialogue".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-21|title=Serbian Patriarch Irinej was a model of faith and dialogue - Vatican News|url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2020-11/serbian-orthodox-patriarch-irinej-a-model-of-faith-and-dialogue.html|access-date=2020-11-27|website=www.vaticannews.va|language=en}}</ref>

The [[Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy]] stated that "The late Primate [Irinej], during his Patriarchal service, reflected the profound Orthodox feelings of the Serbian people, as well as his hope for a better future. Until today, he strived, without sparing any effort, for the unity of the One and Indivisible Church of Christ and the troubles that concern the modern world."<ref>{{cite web |title=ATHENS, NOVEMBER 21, 2020. CONDOLENCES OF THE INTERPARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY ON ORTHODOXY (I.A.O.) OVER THE DEMISE OF PATRIARCH IRINEJ OF SERBIA |url=https://eiao.org/archives/18218 |website=eiao.org |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref> The [[Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity]] stated that "throughout his ministry, His Holiness [Irinej] remained an example of faith and dialogue, humble and joyful, totally dedicating his life to God and fostering the spirit of communion within the Serbian Orthodox Church."<ref>{{cite web |title=Serbian Patriarch Irinej was a model of faith and dialogue |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2020-11/serbian-orthodox-patriarch-irinej-a-model-of-faith-and-dialogue.html |website=vaticannews.va |date=21 November 2020 |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref> Many other organizations sent their messages of condolence, including [[Appeal of Conscience Foundation]] and [[German Bishops' Conference]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Statement by Rabbi Arthur Schneier on the Repose of Patriarch Irinej |url=http://www.spc.rs/eng/statement_rabbi_arthur_schneier_repose_patriarch_irinej |website=spc.rs |access-date=2020-11-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Немачка бискупска конференција жали због упокојења српског патријарха Иринеја |url=http://www.spc.rs/sr/nemachka_biskupska_konferencija_zhali_zbog_upokojenja_srpskog_patrijarha_irineja |website=spc.rs |access-date=2020-11-24}}</ref>

=== Aftermath ===
{{external media | float = right | width = | video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGBxKs-vHtg Transfer of the Patriarch Irinej's body to the Church of Saint Sava], ''[[Tanjug|Tanjug News Agency]]'' | video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqjpUCMY6z0 LIVE — The funeral of Patriarch Irinej], ''Tanjug News Agency''}}

[[File:Гроб_патријарха_сербског_Иринеја_у_храму_Светог_Саве_у_Биограду.jpg|thumb|Irinej's grave in the crypt of Church of Saint Sava]]

On 21 November, Irinej's body was brought to [[St. Michael's Cathedral, Belgrade|St. Michael's Cathedral]] in Belgrade where was held the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the [[Michael (archangel)#Feasts|feast day]] of the cathedral and the second-largest ''[[slava (feast day)|slava]]'' celebrated in Serbia. Following the ceremony, his body was carried to the [[Church of Saint Sava]] in [[Vračar]], Belgrade,<ref>{{cite web |title=No anti-epidemic measures at liturgy for late Orthodox Church head Irinej |url=http://rs.n1info.com/English/NEWS/a674759/No-anti-epidemic-measures-at-liturgy-for-late-Orthodox-Church-head-Irinej.html |website=rs.n1info.com |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Press communication |url=http://www.spc.rs/eng/press_communication |website=spc.rs |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref> and thousands of mourners passed by the coffin which, in consideration of coronavirus and the circumstances of the Patriarch’s death, had a glass lid.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vasovic |first1=Aleksandar |title=Thousands turn out to mourn Serbia's Patriarch, despite COVID-19 surge |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/serbia-patriarch-mourners/thousands-turn-out-to-mourn-serbias-patriarch-despite-covid-19-surge-idUSL8N2I708Z |website=[[Reuters]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201122185436/https://www.reuters.com/article/serbia-patriarch-mourners/thousands-turn-out-to-mourn-serbias-patriarch-despite-covid-19-surge-idUSL8N2I708Z |archive-date=22 November 2020 |language=en |date=21 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> On the same date, Metropolitan [[Hilarion (Alfeyev)|Hilarion]] of Volokolamsk, the Chairman of the [[Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate]] and the chief delegate of the Russian Orthodox Church delegation, arrived in Belgrade for Irinej's funeral.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk arrived in Belgrade |url=http://spc.rs/eng/metropolitan_hilarion_volokolamsk_arrived_belgrade_0 |website=spc.rs |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

His [[funeral]] was held on 22 November at the Church of Saint Sava.<ref name="blogb92">{{cite web|title=Patrijarh Irinej sahranjen u kripti Hrama Svetog Save|url=http://rs.n1info.com/Vesti/a674919/Sahrana-patrijarha-Irineja.html|access-date=22 November 2020|website=rs.n1info.com|date=22 November 2020|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125194016/http://rs.n1info.com/Vesti/a674919/Sahrana-patrijarha-Irineja.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> After the [[Divine Liturgy|Holy Liturgy]], speeches were given by [[Protoiereus]]-Staurophore Petar Lukić, Bishop [[Irinej Bulović|Irinej]] [[Eparchy of Bačka|of Bačka]], [[President of Serbia|Serbian President]] [[Aleksandar Vučić]], and [[Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] [[Milorad Dodik]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Holy Liturgy and the Funeral Rite for the late Patriarch Irinej |url=http://spc.rs/eng/holy_liturgy_and_funeral_rite_late_patriarch_irinej |website=spc.rs |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> In his speech, President Vučić said that love was the basis of the faith of the late patriarch, and his Serbia was the one he created himself - a Serbia of peace, a Serbia that understands and brings people together.<ref>{{cite web |title=Address by the President of the Republic of Serbia at the funeral of Patriarch Irinej |url=https://www.predsednik.rs/en/press-center/news/address-by-the-president-of-the-republic-of-serbia-at-the-funeral-of-patriarch-irinej |website=predsednik.rs |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> Irinej is the first Serbian Patriarch to be [[Burial vault (tomb)|buried in]] the [[crypt]] of the Church.<ref>{{cite web |title=Serbian Patriarch Irinej buried at crypt of Saint Sava's Temple |url=https://www.srbija.gov.rs/vest/en/163840/serbian-patriarch-irinej-buried-at-crypt-of-saint-savas-temple.php |website=srbija.gov.rs |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref>

Funeral service was also attended by numerous [[Second cabinet of Ana Brnabić|government ministers]] of Serbia and various politicians from the Balkans including the [[Prime minister-designate|Prime Minister-designate]] of [[Montenegro]] [[Zdravko Krivokapić]] and [[President of Republika Srpska]] [[Željka Cvijanović]], and dignitaries such as [[Prince Philip of Yugoslavia|Prince Filip Karađorđević]] and [[Stanislav Hočevar]], the [[Archbishop#Western Christianity|Catholic archbishop]] [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Belgrade|of Belgrade]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-22|title=Молитвени испраћај патријарха и оца нашег Иринеја (ВИДЕО)|url=https://mitropolija.com/2020/11/22/sahrana-patrijarha-irineja-uzivo/ |access-date=2020-11-22|website=Православна Митрополија црногорско-приморска (Званични сајт)|language=sr-RS}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ko je sve od poznatih prisutan na sahrani Irineja |url=https://nova.rs/vesti/drustvo/ko-je-sve-od-poznatih-prisutan-na-sahrani-irineja/ |website=nova.rs |date=22 November 2020 |access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

Bishop David [[Eparchy of Kruševac|of Kruševac]] who led Irinej's funeral service tested positive for COVID-19 following the funeral.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bishop who led Patriarch's funeral service tests positive for coronavirus |url=http://rs.n1info.com/English/NEWS/a675269/Bishop-who-led-Patriarch-s-funeral-service-tests-positive-for-coronavirus.html |website=rs.n1info.com}}</ref> At the time, Bishop David is one of the four remaining members of the [[Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church]].

== Awards and honours ==
* [[File:Order of the Eagle of Georgia - ribbon bar.png|60px]] Grand Collar of the [[Order of the Eagle of Georgia]], [[Bagrationi dynasty]] (2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.czipm.org/decorated-e.html|title=His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch|website=www.czipm.org|access-date=24 December 2013|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031042600/https://www.czipm.org/decorated-e.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Serbian Patriarch |url=http://www.royalhouseofgeorgia.ge/p/eng/434/news/349/Serbian-Patriarch |website=royalhouseofgeorgia.ge |access-date=23 February 2021}}</ref>
* [[File:BIH Order of the Republic of Srpska ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Order of the Republika Srpska]], [[Republika Srpska]] (2011) <ref>{{Cite web|last=Srpska|first=RTRS, Radio Тelevizija Republike Srpske, Radio Television of Republic of|title=ИРИНЕЈ ОСВЕШТАО НОВОИЗГРАЂЕНУ ЦРКВУ У МОДРИЧИ|url=http://lat.rtrs.tv/vijesti/vijest.php?id=47576|access-date=2021-01-08|website=РЕПУБЛИКА СРПСКА - РТРС}}</ref>
* [[File:SRB-SHS-YUG Orden Karađorđeve zvezde VKrst BAR.svg|60px]] Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Star of Karađorđe]], [[Karađorđević dynasty]]  (2013)<ref name="spc2011"/>
* Order of Saint Nikolaj, [[Eparchy of Šabac]]<ref name="b92.net">{{Cite web|title=Od Vidova do poglavara: Ko je bio patrijarh Irinej?|url=https://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2020&mm=11&dd=20&nav_category=12&nav_id=1766841|access-date=2020-11-21|website=B92.net| date=20 November 2020 |language=sr-Latn-RS}}</ref>
* [[Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary]], honorary degree<ref>{{Cite web|title=Почасни докторат Патријарху српском Иринеју {{!}} Српска Православна Црква [Званични сајт]|url=http://spc.rs/sr/pochasni_doktorat_patrijarhu_srpskom_irineju|access-date=2020-11-21|website=spc.rs|archive-date=17 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517080440/http://spc.rs/sr/pochasni_doktorat_patrijarhu_srpskom_irineju|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Honorary citizen, [[Zemun]]<ref name="b92.net"/>

== See also ==
* [[List of 21st-century religious leaders]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

{{commons category|Patriarch Irenaeus of Serbia}}
*[http://www.spc.rs/eng/patriarch_1 Patriarch's Biography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018183156/http://www.spc.rs/eng/patriarch_1 |date=18 October 2011 }} at spc.rs

{{S-start}}
{{s-rel|eo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Serbian Patriarch Pavle II|Pavle]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Serbian Patriarch]]|years=2010–2020}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Porfirije, Serbian Patriarch|Porfirije]]}}
{{s-bef|before=Jovan (Ilić)}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Eparchy of Niš|Bishop of Niš]]|years=1975–2010}}
{{s-aft|after=Jovan (Purić)}}
{{s-bef|before=Lavrentije (Trifunović)}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Titular bishop|Titular bishop of Moravica]]|years=1974–1975}}
{{s-aft|after=Jefrem (Milutinović)}}
{{S-end}}
{{Serbian Orthodox leaders}}
{{Portal bar|Serbia|Christianity}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Irinej Of Serbia}}
[[Category:1930 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Čačak]]
[[Category:Burials at Serbian Orthodox monasteries and churches]]
[[Category:Christian Zionists]]
[[Category:Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia]]
[[Category:Eastern Orthodox Christians from Serbia]]
[[Category:Patriarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church]]
[[Category:Serbian monarchists]]
[[Category:20th-century Eastern Orthodox bishops]]
[[Category:21st-century Eastern Orthodox bishops]]
[[Category:University of Belgrade Faculty of Orthodox Theology alumni]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st class]]
[[Category:Serbian Zionists]]
{{Навигационная таблица/Портал/Английская Википедия}}
[[Категория:Английская Википедия]]
[[Категория:Википедия]]
[[Категория:Статья из Википедии]]
[[Категория:Статья из Английской Википедии]]