Archimandrite Methodius, abbot of the Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Hilandar on Mount Athos, has presented the University of Novi Sad with an icon of the Three-Handed Virgin (Trojeručica), one of the most revered holy images in the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The presentation took place during a spiritual gathering titled “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me,” held in the amphitheater of the university’s rectorate building. The event was organized jointly by the Parish of St. George’s Cathedral in Novi Sad and the University’s Student Parliament, bringing together clergy, monastics, and students.

Opening the event, student vice-rector Damjan Vakanjac highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of Hilandar, the Serbian Orthodox monastery on Greece’s Mount Athos founded in the late 12th century by Saint Sava and his father, Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja. He described the monastery as a centuries-old spiritual and cultural center that continues to connect Serbia’s past, present, and future.

Addressing the audience, Archimandrite Methodius focused particularly on young people and the challenges they face in modern life. He emphasized the importance of prayer, patience, and humility in overcoming difficulties and reflected on his own spiritual journey that led him to Hilandar. Quoting the Apostle Paul, he reminded attendees: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The abbot said that understanding God’s providence and love enables individuals to properly assess both their successes and failures while finding meaning in life’s experiences.

At the conclusion of the gathering, Archimandrite Methodius formally presented the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Trojeručica to Vakanjac. He expressed hope that the icon would serve as a spiritual symbol of the bond between Hilandar Monastery, the University of Novi Sad, and the people of Novi Sad.

The Trojeručica icon is regarded as the principal shrine of Hilandar and one of the most famous Orthodox icons of the Virgin Mary. According to church tradition, its history is linked to Saint John of Damascus, an eighth-century theologian and hymnographer. The icon later came to Serbia before eventually being entrusted to Hilandar, where it remains today. In Orthodox tradition, the Three-Handed Virgin is venerated as the monastery’s protectress and abbess.

The visit to Novi Sad is part of a broader series of appearances by Archimandrite Methodius and the revered image outside Mount Athos. Just days earlier, he traveled to North Macedonia, where he delivered an exact copy of the Trojeručica icon to the city of Štip at the invitation of the Bregalnica Diocese of the Macedonian Orthodox Church–Ohrid Archbishopric. Following a ceremonial reception, the icon was carried in procession to the Church of St. Demetrius, where it will remain permanently.