During a solemn liturgy held at the Monastery of St. Sergius of Radonezh near Mount Rumija, His Eminence Joanikije, Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, called on the faithful to pray fervently for peace, especially between Russia and Ukraine.

The service, which took place on the monastery’s patronal feast day, gathered clergy and worshippers in the village of Mikulići, where two new chapels were consecrated — one in honor of Saint Sava of Serbia, and the other dedicated to the venerable fathers of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

In his sermon, Metropolitan Joanikije emphasized the unifying power of Christian faith and the importance of spiritual unity across national borders. He spoke of Saint Sergius of Radonezh not only as a spiritual leader of the Russian people, but as a figure revered throughout the Orthodox world — much like Saint Sava for the Serbian faithful.

“This monastery, the first in the Serbian Church dedicated to the great Russian saint, symbolizes the deep spiritual connection between our peoples,” the Metropolitan said. “Though each nation brings its own gifts and spiritual character to the Church, we are all united in Christ.”

One of the key themes of the liturgy was a passionate plea for peace. Metropolitan Joanikije urged all present to pray for a swift reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine, and for divine mercy to descend upon both nations and the world at large.

“The Church’s mission is not to offer political counsel,” he said, “but to pray to God — the source of peace, love, and mercy.”

The Monastery of St. Sergius of Radonezh, consecrated in 2009, remains a symbol of spiritual and cultural ties between the Serbian and Russian Orthodox communities.