The city of Vranje in southern Serbia hosted a solemn celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the revival of the Vranje Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The festive liturgy was held at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, led by Metropolitan Pahomije of Vranje, and concelebrated by Metropolitan John of Kruševac and Demirhisar from the Ohrid Archdiocese, along with numerous clergy and monastics from the diocese.

According to the Vranje Diocese’s website, among the attendees were Archimandrite Methodius, abbot of the Athonite Hilandar Monastery, Mayor of Vranje Slobodan Milenković, representatives of government institutions, the military, the police, and many faithful. Following the service, Metropolitan Pahomije expressed gratitude to the clergy, monastics, and parishioners for their dedication to the Church over the past fifty years, and thanked local and state authorities for their support.

The Vranje Diocese is an administrative and ecclesiastical district of the Serbian Orthodox Church, encompassing parishes and monasteries in the southern part of the country, near the Pčinja River and the city of Vranje, close to the North Macedonian border. The diocese was restored in 1975 after a long period of inactivity, following a decision by the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church to revive spiritual life in the region. Today, the diocese includes dozens of churches and monasteries, the most significant being the ancient Monastery of St. Prohor Pčinski, one of the most venerated Serbian saints.

The anniversary celebrations began in late October and included exhibitions, book presentations, and spiritual conferences. At the Vranje People’s University, historical monographs on the life of the diocese, rare church publications, and photographs documenting fifty years of revival were displayed. On October 31, a monastic council was held at the Monastery of St. Prohor Pčinski, followed by a conference at the city theater dedicated to the milestone.

For the Serbian Orthodox Church, the 50th anniversary of the Vranje Diocese is more than a historical milestone; it represents the spiritual revival of southern Serbia. After the difficult periods of the 20th century, when religious life was suppressed, Vranje became a center for renewed monastic communities, the opening of new parishes, and active cultural and educational work.