Belgrade, May 17th 2013 – As part of the series of lectures “The Edict of Milan and Emperor Constantine” held at a crowded hall of Nebojša Tower at the Lower Town of Belgrade Fortress, the Bishop of Western America, professor at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade and the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Libertyville, Dr Maxim Vasiljević, held a lecture on “The concept of Holiness and the sanctity of Serbian rulers”.

In his expose, Most Eminent Bishop Maxim explained the etymological origin of the word “holy”, in Jewish language “Kadosh” meaning separated and distinct. The God is named and is perceived as “par excellence” personal and sacred being. In the view of the Church a human is holy as a separate and unique being, if he reaches from the individual anonymity to the uniqueness of personality. In the community of personalities each saint is remarkable and unique through his relationship achieved with the extraordinary, unrepeatable and holy in the liturgical experience of the Church.

“One is holy, the Lord Jesus Christ” and through Him and in Him all of God’s people acquire holiness by grace. Diversity is gained in communion with God, who invites us to be holy as he himself is. There is no holiness in individualism and alienation. There are misconceptions about the concept of holiness. Many claim that the one who does not make mistakes is holy, thus the holiness comes down to one moral aspect, which is far from what we have learned through gospels. Pharisees as virtuous was condemned by the Lord and the publican was justified.

In the second part of his expose Most Eminent Bishop Maxim pointed out that Serbian medieval rulers, as well as the Holy Emperor Constantine, in course of their lives demonstrated selfless sacrifice for others and willingness to waive all privileges provided by a secular authority. Upon withdrawing from the throne most of Serbian rulers became monks and devoted their lives completely to God.