The Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos was celebrated at the women’s Monastery of Beška, a 14th-century Orthodox convent in Montenegro, with the service led by Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Ioannikije, the Metropolis said.

Addressing the faithful and the nuns, Metropolitan Ioannikije focused on the theme of human weakness and faith, recalling the events of Good Friday.

“According to Saint Justin, the holy apostles doubted Christ’s Resurrection for the sake of all of us. These same apostles, to whom the Lord gave power and authority, who witnessed miracles, were shaken by Christ’s suffering,” he said.

He stressed that despite this, the apostles were gathered again by Christ after His Resurrection. “The Lord, condescending to their weakness, brought them together again, strengthened and affirmed them, and then granted them power from on high—the power of truth, righteousness, and love—so they could preach His Resurrection,” Ioannikije said.

According to him, the example of the apostles remains relevant today. “As it was then, so it is now: the Church goes through various trials, but its ship continues to sail,” he noted.

The metropolitan also recalled the history of the monastery, founded by Jelena Balšić, a member of Serbian medieval nobility and daughter of Prince Lazar. In his words, during a difficult historical period she “bound her life to the Kingdom of Heaven, engaged in culture and spiritual enlightenment,” leaving a legacy of preserving the Orthodox faith and tradition.

Ioannikije also announced the revival of the “Jelena Balšić” literary award, originally established by the late Metropolitan Amfilohije. This year’s prize was awarded to poet Milica Kralj. In addition, a new medal named after Jelena Balšić has been introduced, with the first recipient being the monastery’s abbess, Mother Fotina.