During a liturgy at Cetinje Monastery on March 10, Metropolitan Joanikije (Michovic) praised the profound spiritual impact of John the Baptist, emphasizing the power of his words in awakening human conscience and leading sinners to repentance. This event coincided with the Serbian Church's commemoration of the Finding of the Head of John the Baptist.

In his sermon, the metropolitan highlighted the Church’s remembrance of key moments in John the Baptist's life—from his birth and ministry to his martyrdom. He noted that John served as a vital link between the Old and New Testaments and was one of the earliest martyrs in Christian history.

Metropolitan Joanikije underscored that the true strength of John the Baptist's ministry lay not in visible miracles but in the transformative impact of his preaching on people. “His word possessed such power that it awakened human conscience, brought sinners to repentance, and compelled them to change their lives,” he remarked.

He further explained that turning away from sin towards a righteous life is the greatest miracle. “Sacred Scripture compares living in sin to death. Therefore, when a person renounces sin and returns to God, the resurrection of the soul occurs, which is even greater than the resurrection of the dead,” he stated.

The metropolitan also noted that John the Baptist's preaching prepared the people for their encounter with Christ. His words were likened to “heavenly lightning that tears through darkness and illuminates the path of human life,” according to the archbishop.

Additionally, Metropolitan Joanikije emphasized the significance of the holy relics housed in the monastery, including the right hand of John the Baptist—the hand that, according to church tradition, baptized Jesus Christ—and a fragment of the Holy Cross. These relics are considered among the most important sanctities of the Orthodox Church in Montenegro.

In concluding his sermon, the metropolitan referred to John the Baptist as “the best guide to Christ” and encouraged the faithful to seek his intercession through prayer.