Today, the Church of St. Nicholas in the Chicago suburb of Lyons was filled for the promotion of Bishop Grigorije of Germany’s book Jedni drugima potrebni (“Needed by Each Other”), which also served as a fundraising event to support the construction of a church in Gacko, Herzegovina.
Before the promotion, Bishop Grigorije, together with his hosts, Chicago Metropolitan Longin and the parish priest Father Nemanja Tešić, celebrated the liturgy in the newly renovated Church of St. Nicholas, assisted by the clergy.
The introductory remarks at the event were given by Father Nemanja and Metropolitan Longin, who spoke warmly about the creative gift of their guest, noting that Bishop Grigorije had already promoted several of his latest books in Chicago.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS: Father Nemanja Tešić and Metropolitan Longin Introduce Bishop Grigorije
Bishop Grigorije then took the floor to address a topic rarely discussed in Serbian churches or the broader community: anxiety, depression, the quiet killers of modern times. He emphasized the importance of turning to one another, showing love and care, and being close enough to notice problems and help each other.
He drew striking parallels, such as the one between a casino and the Ostrog Monastery:
“I was sitting at a restaurant terrace with a view of a nearby casino. Interestingly, everyone entering the casino looked radiant and happy, but they left looking dejected or angry. On the other hand, it was fascinating to observe people just as downcast entering the cell, the cave containing the relics of Saint Basil at Ostrog Monastery, where I myself was tonsured. Yet upon leaving, their faces radiated joy. Completely the opposite of the casino, which speaks volumes,” Bishop Grigorije recalled.
He concluded by encouraging attendees and Serbs back home:
“The victory of good over evil, which we all hope for, will inevitably come. We do not know exactly when, nor how it will unfold, but we do know that one day good will triumph over evil, and the lambs will defeat the wolves!”
The book promotion also served as a fundraising lunch for the construction of the Holy Trinity Church in Gacko. Bishop Grigorije invited attendees to contribute to completing this house of God in Herzegovina.
FRATERNAL SUPPORT FROM CHICAGO FOR HERZEGOVINA: Bishop and Metropolitan with the Youngest Reader
After the sermon (video clips available), Grigorije spent significant time signing books for parishioners and guests, including the Serbian and Bosnian-Herzegovinian consuls, Marko Nikolić and Tatjana Telić.
HIGH INTEREST: The promotion attracted a large number of Serbs from Chicago and surrounding areas.