Park of the Greats

SERBIAN PATRIARCH PAVLE

(1914–2009)

"Love your enemies and pray for them
because they do not know what they are doing."

Pavle, born Gojko Stojčević, was a Serbian priest and the 44th Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church. He was born on September 11, 1914, in the village of Kućanci, near Donji Miholjac, in the former Austro-Hungarian monarchy (present-day Croatia). As a child, he showed great interest in the church and spirituality and was an excellent student. At the age of 16, he enrolled in the Seminary in Sremski Karlovci.

After completing his theological studies, he became a monk at the Blagoveštenje Monastery near Ovčar. It was then that he received the monastic name Pavle. He quickly advanced in the church hierarchy and became known for his spiritual strength and humility. Patriarch German sent a request to the Supreme Court of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1990 for the recognition of Pavle as the leader of the Serbian Orthodox Church. His request was approved, and Patriarch Pavle became the 44th Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church. He was known for his simplicity, humility, and kindness. He was beloved among the faithful as well as beyond church circles.

After completing his theological studies, he became a monk at the Blagoveštenje Monastery near Ovčar. It was then that he received the monastic name Pavle. He quickly advanced in the church hierarchy and became known for his spiritual strength and humility. Patriarch German sent a request to the Supreme Court of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1990 for the recognition of Pavle as the leader of the Serbian Orthodox Church. His request was approved, and Patriarch Pavle became the 44th Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church. He was known for his simplicity, humility, and kindness. He was beloved among the faithful as well as beyond church circles.

He served as patriarch for nearly two decades and witnessed the political and social turmoil in the former Yugoslavia. He never made distinctions among people and often repeated that we are all children of God, condemning all violence and crimes, regardless of the perpetrators or the victims' nationality or religion. It is known that he participated in several protest walks against Slobodan Milošević in the late 1990s.

Advocating for peace, reconciliation, and human unity, Patriarch Pavle became a symbol of hope and moral leadership during difficult times for Serbia. During his patriarchate, Pavle was a witness and participant in the political and social upheavals in the former Yugoslavia. There were times of war, conflict, and instability, but Patriarch Pavle always stood for peace and coexistence among people. He was also known for his humanitarian activities. He served as the President of the Church Charity Fund "Bishop Mihailo", which helped the poor, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. His dedication to humanitarian work was highly respected and acknowledged.

Patriarch Pavle was actively involved in various humanitarian activities and provided support to the poor and vulnerable groups. His work and spiritual efforts extended to the territory that includes East Sarajevo.

Patriarch Pavle passed away on November 15, 2009, in Belgrade, at the age of 95. According to his will, expressed in his testament, he was buried at the Rakovica Monastery, which is now a place of pilgrimage for believers. His death caused immense sorrow and loss, not only among the faithful but also among people worldwide who respected him for his spirituality, kindness, and wisdom.

He was awarded the Order of Nemanja of the first degree, the Order of the Karađorđe Star of the first degree, the Russian order "Dostoyanstvo", and was a recipient of the International Fund for the Advancement of Unity of Orthodox People and the Saint Apostle Andrew the First-Called Fund. Many streets in Republika Srpska, Serbia, and a kindergarten in East New Sarajevo bear the name of Patriarch Pavle.