At the age of 92, Father Grigorije (Stefanović), the abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery in the village of Ždrelo near Petrovac na Mlavi, passed away. His life and work will remain deeply engraved in the memory of the faithful people, as a testament to tireless effort, faith, and love for the Church and God.
Born on February 15, 1933, into a devout family of farmers, Father Grigorije, whose secular name was Sima, showed a deep devotion to spiritual life from a young age. In his youth, seeking opportunities, he spent three decades working as a construction worker in Germany and Switzerland. He lovingly dedicated every penny he earned to building the Holy Trinity Church, which he built entirely on his own over three years, transforming a centuries-old neglected monastery into a spiritual sanctuary.
With the blessing of Bishop Ignatije Midić of Braničevo, Father Grigorije completed the restoration of the monastery on June 25, 2001, which was consecrated and dedicated to divine service. On that day, the then novice Sima received monastic tonsure and was given the name Grigorije. Through his selfless efforts, the monastery’s convent was also renovated, and a stone wall was built around the sanctuary. For his exceptional work, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church awarded him the Order of St. Sava, Second Class.
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Many who had the opportunity to meet Father Grigorije will remember him as a man of deep faith and selfless love. With seriousness and warmth, he always persevered in his efforts, reminding the faithful of the importance of spiritual life.
A holy liturgy and a memorial service for the repose of the soul of Father Grigorije will be served by the brotherhood of the monastery on Saturday at 10 am in the Ždrelo Monastery. The faithful are invited to dedicate their prayers to the departed abbot, without bringing wreaths or artificial flowers.
May the Lord grant him eternal rest in the Kingdom of Heaven, where he will join the assembly of the righteous. Father Grigorije remains as a shining example of dedication, philanthropy, and sacrifice for his faith and people.
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Source: Kurir, Photo: Printscreen/ Youtube/УМИЛЕЊЕ Драган