Representatives of the Serbian and Macedonian Orthodox Churches, along with theologians and researchers, have gathered at Serbia’s Manasija Monastery for the Second International Scientific Conference examining the relationship between liturgical theology and monastic practice.

The conference, held from September 4 to 6, is organized by the Institute of Liturgical Studies and Church Art at the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Orthodox Theology and the “Heritage of the Desert” Institute for Balkan Spiritual and Monastic Heritage in Strumica. Manasija Monastery is located within the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Braničevo Diocese.

Representatives of both Orthodox Churches took part in the opening session. Participants received greetings from Serbian Patriarch Porfirije and Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia. The Macedonian primate’s message was delivered by Bishop Clement of Heraclea, secretary of the Synod of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Archdiocese of Ohrid.

Metropolitan Ignatije of Braničevo delivered the conference’s keynote address, titled “The Eschatological Nature of the Church and Monasticism.”

In his greeting, Patriarch Porfirije said the monastery was a natural setting for discussing the relationship between worship, theology and monastic experience.

“Liturgy and monasticism do not constitute two separate worlds in the life of the Church,” the patriarch stressed, emphasizing that both are connected to humanity’s calling to live in communion with God and with one another.

The conference also features Metropolitan George of Debar and Kičevo and Bishop Jakov of Stobi, representing the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Archdiocese of Ohrid. Other participants include theologians, historians and researchers from Serbia and North Macedonia.

Discussions focus on liturgical theology, monastic tradition, and the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Balkans. Topics include the relationship between the Eucharist and asceticism, the monastic ideal of Saint Sava of Serbia, the use of Scripture in monastic tonsure, and the development of monastic self-governance and liturgical traditions.

The conference will conclude on September 6 with a Divine Liturgy and a roundtable discussion presenting the inaugural issue of the academic journal The Desert.

The first conference in the series was held in 2025 at Vodoca Monastery near Strumica. It focused on the monastic traditions of the Balkans and their relationship with theology and culture.