# Irinej

> Serbian patriarch (1930-2020)

**Wikidata**: [Q336711](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q336711)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irinej,_Serbian_Patriarch)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irinej

## Summary
Irinej (1930–2020) was the 45th Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church, serving as its spiritual leader from 2010 until his death. A theologian and educator, he was known for his role in preserving Orthodox Christian traditions in Serbia and his academic contributions to the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at the University of Belgrade.

## Biography
- **Born:** August 28, 1930
- **Nationality:** Serbian
- **Education:** Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade; Serbian Orthodox Seminary of Prizren
- **Known for:** Serving as the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church and his theological scholarship
- **Employer(s):** Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade; Serbian Orthodox Church
- **Field(s):** Theology, Religious Leadership

## Contributions
Irinej made significant contributions to Serbian Orthodox theology and education. As a professor at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade, he shaped the education of future clergy and theologians. His leadership as Patriarch strengthened the Serbian Orthodox Church's role in national and international religious affairs. He was also recognized for his efforts in interfaith dialogue and the preservation of Serbian cultural and religious heritage.

## FAQs
**What was Irinej's role in the Serbian Orthodox Church?**
Irinej served as the 45th Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church from 2010 until his death in 2020, overseeing spiritual and administrative leadership.

**Where did Irinej receive his education?**
He studied at the Serbian Orthodox Seminary of Prizren and the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at the University of Belgrade.

**What awards did Irinej receive?**
He was honored with the Order of the Star of Karađorđe and the Order of the Republika Srpska, among other distinctions.

**What is Irinej's legacy in Serbian theology?**
His teachings and leadership reinforced Orthodox Christian values in Serbia, and his academic work influenced generations of theologians.

## Why They Matter
Irinej's leadership as Patriarch was pivotal in maintaining the Serbian Orthodox Church's unity and influence during a period of social and political change. His academic contributions ensured the continuation of theological education, while his pastoral work strengthened the faith of millions. His interfaith efforts also fostered dialogue between different religious communities in the Balkans.

## Notable For
- Serving as the 45th Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church (2010–2020)
- Teaching at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade
- Receiving the Order of the Star of Karađorđe and the Order of the Republika Srpska
- Preserving Serbian Orthodox traditions and cultural heritage
- Promoting interfaith dialogue in the Balkans

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Irinej was born on August 28, 1930. He pursued theological studies at the Serbian Orthodox Seminary of Prizren, founded in 1872, and later at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at the University of Belgrade, one of Serbia's most prestigious institutions.

### Academic and Ecclesiastical Career
Before becoming Patriarch, Irinej served as a professor at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade, where he contributed to the education of future clergy. His academic work focused on Orthodox Christian doctrine and its application in modern society.

### Leadership as Patriarch
Elected in 2010, Irinej led the Serbian Orthodox Church through a decade of spiritual and administrative challenges. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen the Church's role in Serbian society and foster unity among Orthodox Christians.

### Awards and Recognition
Irinej received several honors, including the Order of the Star of Karađorđe (established in 1904) and the Order of the Republika Srpska (established in 1993), recognizing his contributions to religion and national culture.

### Legacy and Influence
His leadership left a lasting impact on the Serbian Orthodox Church, reinforcing its traditions and expanding its influence. His academic and pastoral work continues to inspire theologians and believers in Serbia and beyond.

## References

1. [Le chef de l'Église orthodoxe serbe décédé du Covid-19. 2020](https://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/le-chef-de-l-eglise-orthodoxe-serbe-decede-du-covid-19-20201120)
2. [ПАТРИЈАРХУ УРУЧЕНА ПОВЕЉА УДРУЖЕЊА КЊИЖЕВНИКА](http://www.rtrs.tv/vijesti/vijest.php?id=54458)
3. [ИРИНЕЈ ОСВЕШТАО НОВОИЗГРАЂЕНУ ЦРКВУ У МОДРИЧИ. Radio Television of Republika Srpska. 2011](https://www.rtrs.tv/vijesti/vijest.php?id=47576)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://www.courrierdesbalkans.fr/Serbie-le-patriarche-Irinej-est-decede-des-suites-de-la-covid-19)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. Library of Congress Control Number