Press Release
The Archbishop Jovan Fund USA
Very Reverend Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes, President
Beloved in our Risen Lord,
Christos Anesti!
May the joy of the Holy Resurrection of our Lord be with you!
Archbishop Jovan the Archbishop of Ohrid & the Metropolitan of Skpoje was sentenced to two and half years to prison today 5/11/2012.
Secondly during the hearing of Archbishop Jovan several individuals clergy and monastics under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop tried to attend the public trial today. In particular Bishop David (Vicar Bishop to Archbishop Jovan) and Hieromonk (Prietsmonk) Irenje where pushed by the police in front of the court doors, and Bishop David was almost pushed to the floor but not injured thanks to God. See the attached photo of Bishop David being pushed away and almost fell to the floor. Both Bishop David and Father Irenje where refused to enter the public hearing.
One can only but thank God that both Bishop David and Father Irenje where not seriously injured.
The next approach would be that we must continue to send appeals and offer our support for Archbishop Jovan release.
Let us together offer prayers and piously pray for the mercy of our Lord to watch over the Archbishop and his beloved Archdiocese. I am sure it was a great disappointment for the Archbishop today, but knowing the Archbishop he will pursue his imprisonment with prayer and living up to the Orthodox faith he loves.
Pray with me and please share the above information with others.
May our Lord God grant continued blessings upon Archbishop Jovan and preserve him.
Peace to your soul!
Humbly with the joy of the Holy Resurrection of our Lord,
+Very Reverend Archimandrite Nektarios Serfess
Presidend of The Archbishop Jovan Fund USA