Saint Mardarije (Uskokovic) - Revision history

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Diaconal service */

2024-10-10T12:54:02Z

Diaconal service

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	==Diaconal service==		==Diaconal service==

	The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierodeacon Hierodeacon] Mardarije (Uskoković) then graduated from the seminary in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chișinău Kishenev], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moldova Moldova] (which was at that time in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empire Russian Empire], and which had formerly been a part of Romanian Moldavian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessarabia Bessarabia]). There, a collection of his sermons was published.		The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierodeacon Hierodeacon] Mardarije (Uskoković) then graduated from the seminary in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chișinău Kishenev] (Chișinău), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moldova Moldova] (which was at that time in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empire Russian Empire], and which had formerly been a part of Romanian Moldavian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessarabia Bessarabia]). There, a collection of his sermons was published.

	One of these sermons, delivered on 14 March, 1910, at the church of the Saint Olga Orphanage in Kishinev, and recently published in English, is included here :		One of these sermons, delivered on 14 March, 1910, at the church of the Saint Olga Orphanage in Kishinev, and recently published in English, is included here :

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Pastoral serivce */

2024-10-10T12:52:19Z

Pastoral serivce

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	'''To North America, 1917'''		'''To North America, 1917'''

	In 1917, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Orthodox_Church Russian Orthodox Church] sent the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Protosyngellos Synkell] Mardarije to the USA in order to organise the Serbian Orthodox part of the metropolitanate there. In the USA, he served as the head of the Serbian Mission, and at the [https://oca.org/history-archives/aacs/2nd-all-american-sobor Cleveland Sobor] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Church_in_America Russian Metropolitanate] in 1919, he was elected to become the bishop of the Serbian people in the USA. However, Archimandrite Mardarije did not wish to accept episcopal consecration without the knowledge and approval of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbian_Orthodox_Church Serbian Orthodox Church] in the homeland. This was also after the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Revolution Bolshevik Revolution] and the ensuing turmoil.		In 1917, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Orthodox_Church Russian Orthodox Church] sent the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Protosyngellos Synkell] Mardarije to the USA in order to organise the Serbian Orthodox part of the metropolitanate there. In the USA, he served as the head of the Serbian Mission, and at the [https://oca.org/history-archives/aacs/2nd-all-american-sobor Cleveland Sobor] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Church_in_America Russian Metropolitanate] in 1919, he was elected to become the bishop of the Serbian people in the USA. However, Archimandrite Mardarije did not wish to accept episcopal consecration without the knowledge and approval of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbian_Orthodox_Church Serbian Orthodox Church] in the homeland. This was also after the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Revolution Bolshevik Revolution] and during the ensuing turmoil.

	The Russian Mission diocese requested his episcopal ordination by the new Serbian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarch_Dimitrije Patriarch Dimitrije].		The Russian Mission diocese requested his episcopal ordination by the new Serbian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarch_Dimitrije Patriarch Dimitrije].
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	'''Return to Serbia ; new direction ; back to the USA'''		'''Return to Serbia ; new direction ; back to the USA'''

	However, Patriarch Dimitrije instead made the Synkell Mardarije the Archimandrite of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakovica,_Belgrade Rakovica Monastery] and rector of its monastic school there. The American Serbians then asked the patriarch to send [~~[Saint Nikolaj~~ (Velimirovic) \|Bishop Nikolaj (Velimirović)]], which he did, with Archimandrite Mardarije as his deputy.		However, Patriarch Dimitrije instead made the Synkell Mardarije the Archimandrite of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakovica,_Belgrade Rakovica Monastery] and rector of its monastic school there. The American Serbians then asked the patriarch to send [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saint_Nikolaj_(Velimirovic) Bishop Nikolaj (Velimirović)], which he did, with Archimandrite Mardarije as his deputy.

	On 1 December, 1923, Archimandrite Mardarije was assigned to be the administrator of the newly-formed [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Serbian_Orthodox_Church_in_North_and_South_America American-Canadian Serbian Orthodox Diocese] with the see in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago Chicago], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois Illinois]. Serving as a parish priest in Chicago, Archimandrite Mardarije did much of the organisational work for the diocese. In that same year, with his own funds, he purchased about 10 acres of land in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertyville,_Illinois Libertyville], Illinois, where later the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Sava%27s_Serbian_Orthodox_Seminary Saint Sava Monastery] was built. He would ride his bicycle for many miles in order to buy bricks for the construction. He would carry these bricks on his bicycle. People used to remark that “He’s got nothing to eat, yet he builds a monastery”.		On 1 December, 1923, Archimandrite Mardarije was assigned to be the administrator of the newly-formed [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Serbian_Orthodox_Church_in_North_and_South_America American-Canadian Serbian Orthodox Diocese] with the see in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago Chicago], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois Illinois]. Serving as a parish priest in Chicago, Archimandrite Mardarije did much of the organisational work for the diocese. In that same year, with his own funds, he purchased about 10 acres of land in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertyville,_Illinois Libertyville], Illinois, where later the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Sava%27s_Serbian_Orthodox_Seminary Saint Sava Monastery] was built. He would ride his bicycle for many miles in order to buy bricks for the construction. He would carry these bricks on his bicycle. People used to remark that “He’s got nothing to eat, yet he builds a monastery”.

	Archimandrite Mardarije continued as the administrator until he was elected by the Serbian Holy Synod to become the first Serbian Bishop of America and Canada. However, the election on 7 December, 1925, of Archimandrite Mardarije as Bishop of America and Canada occurred when he was in rather poor health, so that he could not travel to Belgrade. There was, therefore, a delay.		Archimandrite Mardarije continued as the administrator until he was elected by the Serbian Holy Synod to become the first Serbian Bishop of America and Canada. However, the election on 7 December, 1925, of Archimandrite Mardarije as Bishop of America and Canada occurred when he was in rather poor health, so that he could not travel to Belgrade. There was, therefore, a delay.

	==Episcopal ordination, 1926==		==Episcopal ordination, 1926==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Presbyteral ordination, 1916 */

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Presbyteral ordination, 1916

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	==Presbyteral ordination, 1916==		==Presbyteral ordination, 1916==

	The Hierodeacon Mardarije was then ordained to the Holy Priesthood.		The Hierodeacon Mardarije was then ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood].

	==Pastoral serivce==		==Pastoral serivce==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Diaconal service */

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Diaconal service

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	come to love the travels, love the descriptions of the lives of great people, descriptions of the		come to love the travels, love the descriptions of the lives of great people, descriptions of the
	astounding feats of great heroes. You love stories about miracles ; you love the songs. You will find		astounding feats of great heroes. You love stories about miracles ; you love the songs. You will find
	all of this in the Bible -- accounts of the travels of the people of Israel through a great desert to the		all of this in the Bible – accounts of the travels of the people of Israel through a great desert to the
	land of Canaan. You will read wonderful pages from the life of the Holy Apostle Paul in Asia and Europe,		land of Canaan. You will read wonderful pages from the life of the Holy Apostle Paul in Asia and Europe,
	and his great deeds, his sufferings and labours. You will read in the Bible wonderful pages about the		and his great deeds, his sufferings and labours. You will read in the Bible wonderful pages about the

Vladyka Seraphim at 12:46, 10 October 2024

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Vladyka Seraphim: /* Diaconal ordination, 1906 */

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Diaconal ordination, 1906

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	==Diaconal ordination, 1906==		==Diaconal ordination, 1906==

	In 1906, he was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate].		In 1906, Monk Mardarije (Uskoković) was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate].

	==Diaconal service==		==Diaconal service==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Diaconal ordination, 1906 */

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Diaconal ordination, 1906

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	==Diaconal ordination, 1906==		==Diaconal ordination, 1906==

	In 1906, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.		In 1906, he was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate].

	==Diaconal service==		==Diaconal service==

Vladyka Seraphim: /* References */

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References

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	==References==		==References==

	[https://orthodoxwiki.org/~~Serbian_Orthodox_Church_in_North_and_South_America Historical notes~~]		[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Mardarije_(Uskoković)_of_America Orthodoxwiki biography]

	[https://orthodoxwiki.org/~~Mardarije_(Uskoković)_of_America~~ Orthodoxwiki ~~biography~~]		[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Serbian_Orthodox_Church_in_North_and_South_America Orthodoxwiki historical notes about the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America]

			“[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/The_%E2%80%9CRussian_Mission%E2%80%9D_in_North_America The Russian Mission in North America]”

Vladyka Seraphim at 16:49, 2 July 2024

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	~~Please send your suggestions, additions, corrections or contributions to this address :~~

	~~info@orthodoxcanada.ca~~


	[[Category:Saints]] [[Category:Bishops]] [[Category:RusM]] [[Category:SP]]		[[Category:Saints]] [[Category:Bishops]] [[Category:RusM]] [[Category:SP]]

Vladyka Seraphim: /* Glorification, 2015 */

2023-04-12T16:48:32Z

Glorification, 2015

New page

[[File:Saint Mardarije Uskokovic.jpg]]

'''Saint Mardarije (Uskoković) (1889-1935)'''

Mardarije may be spelt Mardarii, Mardariy, Mardarius.

==Early life of Ivan Uskoković==

On 22 December, 1889, Ivan Uskoković was born to Petar (Pero) Uskoković (a tribal chieftain) and his wife Jela (born Božović) in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podgorica Podgorica], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montenegro Montenegro]. He was baptised in the local Temple of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/George_the_Trophy-bearer Saint George]. He grew up as a calm, pious and book-loving child. Ivan finished elementary school in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetinje Cetinje] where he started high school, and then continued in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgrade Belgrade], the capital of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbia Serbia].

==Higher education==

Ivan left high school in his 5th year, and he entered the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studenica_Monastery Studenica Monastery] in central Serbia (not far from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraljevo Kraljevo] or [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivanjica Ivanjica].

==Monastic tonsure, 1906==

In 1906, with the blessing of Bishop Sava (Barać) of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eparchy_of_Žiča Žiča] (1889-1913), Ivan was [https://orthochristian.com/101607.html tonsured] to be a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monk monk], and he was given the name [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mardarije_Kornečanin Mardarije] (after the famous Serbian monk of the 16th century who was abbot of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mileševa_monastery Mileševa Monastery], and who was the first to import a press and print books in Serbia).

==Diaconal ordination, 1906==

In 1906, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.

==Diaconal service==

The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierodeacon Hierodeacon] Mardarije (Uskoković) then graduated from the seminary in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chișinău Kishenev], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moldova Moldova] (which was at that time in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empire Russian Empire], and which had formerly been a part of Romanian Moldavian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessarabia Bessarabia]). There, a collection of his sermons was published.

One of these sermons, delivered on 14 March, 1910, at the church of the Saint Olga Orphanage in Kishinev, and recently published in English, is included here :
My dear children, I visited your wealthy and valuable library. I saw very many interesting and beneficial
books on various topics and saw you often reading these fine tomes. But to my great sorrow and
disappointment, I did not see the most important of all books. I looked throughout the library and could
not find a single Bible. You are not to blame for this, nor are your teachers, it is the spirit of the
time that is to blame, contemporary society. This wonderful book is very hard to find even in the most
eminent homes. It is considered to be an old, boring book whose days have passed. Oh how cruelly are
people mistaken! There is no book more valuable than the Bible. There was not and will not ever be
another book which can replace the Bible.

There is no book in the whole world which contains so many teachings that can lead one to salvation, so
much life and spirit, as the Bible. How many wondrous and miraculous words are contained therein,
thousands and millions of words that shine like the sun. When you read the Bible, you cannot help but be
amazed and exclaim : “Oh, how Divine, how wonderful!” The words are like jewels that sparkle in the
sunshine, sparkle under the sunlight of eternal love, and tell us of the great miracles of mercy of our
great God. But why, dear children, is the Bible such an important and most important book? Because the
words of the Bible are not the words of man or of several people, they are the words of God Himself. Man
could not write the Bible, man is in no condition to elevate himself to such a height of sanctity and
creativity. The Author of the Bible is God Himself, though He chose His selected few to inscribe the
words.

You might ask : 'Didn't we learn that the Bible was written by people, by Moses, by David, Isaiah, the
Prophets, the Apostles and the Evangelists ?' Yes, these people held in their hands the stylus, the writing
utensil, recording the great revelations, which expressed the greatest and most profound thoughts,
truths, the holiest of all sensibilities, inspired by the Holy Spirit. They were inspired by God.

Man did not write down every word and every letter of God, but recorded His thoughts and His will, and
laid them down in human tongue. The Bible is a large book, in which the Father of Heaven reveals to His
children everything that they need for their salvation. It is a book in which God consoles us in our
sorrows and our failings ; He gives us strength in our weakness and our despair ; He gives us wisdom and
guidance.

That is why the Bible is the greatest the most treasured book in the world, and that is why it must
occupy the first place in all libraries and among all the books of every house, that is why it must be
taken advantage of by us with special attention and love.

If any of you has not received a letter from your father or mother for a long time, from a brother or
sister, and when you finally do, then you treasure it and cherish it and read it over and over several
times. That is how you should read the Holy Bible. This is not a letter of a father or a mother. It is
not from a person but a letter from God, the Father of Heaven. Read the Bible. It will grant you much that
is beneficial and necessary in life. It will teach you joy, not to be proud yet not be despondent. Maybe
you cannot afford to buy it. Ask your friends to buy you a Bible, and do not part from it throughout your
whole lives. May it be your constant companion in your life’s path ; it will be your best and most faithful
friend. Let it occupy a visible place among your other books. Read it carefully both when you are happy
and satisfied, and also when you are sorrowful and when you fall into temptation.

Know that when every last person might abandon you, even your parents, only the Bible will remain with
you. It will not betray you even in the most bitter and burdensome moments of your lives. It will give
you the teaching of eternal love, of the Father of Heaven, and it will embolden your spirit and your heart.

I have known many people who could not read even the finest books twice, the finest works of great
literature of the philosophers and thinkers. They could not find anything of sufficient interest, and so
do not reread them. The Bible has a certain characteristic, a property : an exhaustible source of
knowledge. That is why it must be read and reread. The Bible contains a great wealth, an inexhaustible
source of blessed treasures. The Bible is the only book in the whole world which is of interest to all
men all times and all peoples.

It is equally interesting for the scholar, and the aspiring theologian, for the lad who can barely read.
For you all it must be especially interesting. All of you children, all children wherever they may be,
come to love the travels, love the descriptions of the lives of great people, descriptions of the
astounding feats of great heroes. You love stories about miracles ; you love the songs. You will find
all of this in the Bible -- accounts of the travels of the people of Israel through a great desert to the
land of Canaan. You will read wonderful pages from the life of the Holy Apostle Paul in Asia and Europe,
and his great deeds, his sufferings and labours. You will read in the Bible wonderful pages about the
heroic efforts of great men. You will read about Gideon, Samson, David and others. You will find many
miracles contained therein, which will reveal to you the great and wondrous works of God. You will find
yourself swept away in reading the Bible. Read the Bible, my dear children, read it often. In addition
to the good and the joy it brings you, you will see that. At first it may seem too difficult and obscure
for you, but continue to read. What you won't understand today you will understand tomorrow. Read it,
for in the Bible is the key to eternal joy, to eternal life. Amen.

==Further education==

From Bessarabia, the Hierodeacon Mardarije (Uskoković) went to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Petersburg Saint Petersburg] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia Russia], where he graduated from the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Petersburg_Theological_Academy Saint Petersburg Theological Academy] in 1916.

==Presbyteral ordination, 1916==

The Hierodeacon Mardarije was then ordained to the Holy Priesthood.

==Pastoral serivce==

While he was a theological student, at the behest of the holy prisoners in camps in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberia Siberia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkestan Turkestan] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukhara Bukhara] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekistan Uzbekistan]), the Hieromonk Mardarije journeyed to these places in order to deliver lectures and talks. He also spoke with prisoners of various Slavic nationalities who came from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria-Hungary Austro-Hungary].

'''To North America, 1917'''

In 1917, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Orthodox_Church Russian Orthodox Church] sent the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Protosyngellos Synkell] Mardarije to the USA in order to organise the Serbian Orthodox part of the metropolitanate there. In the USA, he served as the head of the Serbian Mission, and at the [https://oca.org/history-archives/aacs/2nd-all-american-sobor Cleveland Sobor] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Church_in_America Russian Metropolitanate] in 1919, he was elected to become the bishop of the Serbian people in the USA. However, Archimandrite Mardarije did not wish to accept episcopal consecration without the knowledge and approval of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbian_Orthodox_Church Serbian Orthodox Church] in the homeland. This was also after the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Revolution Bolshevik Revolution] and the ensuing turmoil.

The Russian Mission diocese requested his episcopal ordination by the new Serbian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarch_Dimitrije Patriarch Dimitrije].

'''Return to Serbia ; new direction ; back to the USA'''

However, Patriarch Dimitrije instead made the Synkell Mardarije the Archimandrite of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakovica,_Belgrade Rakovica Monastery] and rector of its monastic school there. The American Serbians then asked the patriarch to send [[Saint Nikolaj (Velimirovic) |Bishop Nikolaj (Velimirović)]], which he did, with Archimandrite Mardarije as his deputy.

On 1 December, 1923, Archimandrite Mardarije was assigned to be the administrator of the newly-formed [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Serbian_Orthodox_Church_in_North_and_South_America American-Canadian Serbian Orthodox Diocese] with the see in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago Chicago], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois Illinois]. Serving as a parish priest in Chicago, Archimandrite Mardarije did much of the organisational work for the diocese. In that same year, with his own funds, he purchased about 10 acres of land in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertyville,_Illinois Libertyville], Illinois, where later the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Sava%27s_Serbian_Orthodox_Seminary Saint Sava Monastery] was built. He would ride his bicycle for many miles in order to buy bricks for the construction. He would carry these bricks on his bicycle. People used to remark that "He's got nothing to eat, yet he builds a monastery".

Archimandrite Mardarije continued as the administrator until he was elected by the Serbian Holy Synod to become the first Serbian Bishop of America and Canada. However, the election on 7 December, 1925, of Archimandrite Mardarije as Bishop of America and Canada occurred when he was in rather poor health, so that he could not travel to Belgrade. There was, therefore, a delay.

==Episcopal ordination, 1926==

Archimandrite Mardarije (Uskoković) was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Episcopate Episcopate] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Michael%27s_Cathedral,_Belgrade Saint Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral] in Belgrade on 25 April, 1926 ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Palm_Sunday Palm Sunday]), by Patriarch Dimitrije, together with Bishop Danilo of Dalmatia and Istria, and Bishop Serafim of Zletovo and Strumica. Also present at the ordination and Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was Gordon Paddock, the Chargé d’Affaires at the American Embassy in Belgrade.

[[File:Bishop Mardarije 2.png]] '''Bishop Mardarije'''

==Episcopal service==

Bishop Mardarije arrived in his diocese in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City New York City] on 1/14 July, 1926. He notified Patriarch Dimitrije of this by telegram, and he sent his first report to the patriarch in early September, 1926.

In his first hierarchical message to the clergy and the people, Bishop Mardarije acknowledged all (including the deceased), "who had worked for the welfare of the Serbian Church in America".

[[File:2017.01.09 St MardarySmaller.jpg]] '''Vladyka Mardarije'''

A wide range of activities awaited the first Serbian bishop in America and Canada. Bishop Mardarije did not spare himself, nor did he fear work, although he understood that he was gravely ill. Bishop Mardarije convened the first National Church Assembly of the Serbian Orthodox American-Canadian Diocese with his Fourth Archpastoral Message of 1 September, 1927. This assembly had been convened at the Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville, on the basis of a resolution adopted at the National Assembly in Chicago on 29 May, 1927.

[[File:Bishop Mardarije 1.png]] '''Bishop Mardarije'''

==Repose, 1935==

Bishop Mardarije (Uskoković) fell asleep in the Lord on 29 November/12 December, 1935, at the age of 46.

After the Funeral Services for the Burial of a Hierarch, he was interred on 18 December, 1935, at the Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville, which, together with the Serbian people, he had built at great sacrifice and superhuman effort.

— Bishop of the Diocese of the USA and Canada 1926-1935. Preceded by : See created. Succeeded by : [[Bishop Dionisije (Milivojevic)]].

==Glorification, 2015==

Bishop Mardarije (Uskoković) was glorified as a saint by the Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church at it regular session 14-29 May, 2015, in Serbia. He was glorified at the same time as [[Saint Sebastian (Dabovich) |Archimandrite Sebastian (Dabović)]]. They were both referred to as “preachers of the Gospel, God-pleasing servants of the holy life, and inspirers of many missionaries”.

'''Uncovering the relics'''

On 4-5 May, 2017, the relics of Saint Mardarije were exhumed under the blessing and supervision of [[Bishop Longin (Krco)]]. It was found that the holy relics were mostly incorrupt.
With the blessing of His Grace, [[Bishop Longin (Krco) |Bishop Longin]] of New Gracanica and Midwestern America, the relics of Saint
Mardarije, which have lain in the Church of Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville, Illinois, since his
internment in December, 1935, were uncovered. The opening revealed Saint Mardarije’s holy relics to be
incorrupt.

On Thursday, May 4, 2017, His Grace Bishop Longin served the Divine Liturgy at Saint Sava Monastery with Synkell
Serafim (Milojkovic), Priest Nikolaj Kostur and Hierodeacon Nektarije (Tesanovic), in preparation for the
uncovering of the relics. Following the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Longin and the other clergy served a Moleban with
the Akathist written to Saint Mardarije. Upon completion, the crew organized to remove the tombstone and
flooring in order to exhume the relics, arrived, under the guidance of Mr. Dusan Djordjevic of Sveta Gora
Funeral Home in Chicago. After removal of the stone, it was revealed that the casket of Saint Mardarije was
in a cement vault. This caused the opening to be delayed one additional day in order to arrange for a team to
open the vault.

On Friday morning, May 5, 2017, the workers broke the seal of the vault, while Priest Nikolaj Kostur and
Heirodeacon Nektarije (Tesanovic) served a Moleban to Saint Mardarije at the tomb in the presence of Bishop
Longin and Hieromonk Serafim (Milojkovic). Throughout the entire process of exhumation, “Christ is Risen” and
other Paschal hymns were sung, both in Serbian and Russian tones, knowing Saint Mardarije’s deep love and
dedication to both Slavic traditions.

Once the seal of the vault was broken, every effort was taken to lift the cover. During this process, the
cover of the vault shifted and fell on the casket, breaking its cover. At this moment, a sweet smelling
fragrance arose from the tomb, quickly dissipating. However, it became evident that the Saint was buried
facing the west instead of east. This in and of itself is miraculous. It manifested the Providence of God.
Had St Mardarije been buried in the proper direction, the vault cover would have fallen on the side of the
casket where his holy head rested. It was visible that his feet had decayed and were bones.

Fathers Serafim and Nikolaj lifted the relics out of the tomb during the singing of “Christ is Risen.” The
relics were light in weight and easily placed in a temporary metal coffin. Hereupon the feet were examined,
which at this point were the only visible part of the remains. The bones of the feet were goldish-yellow in
color. Then, Father Nikolaj Kostur proceeded to examine the mid-section of the body. Saint Mardarije’s Holy
hands were holding the cross which was firmly in place and immovable. As Father Nikolaj pulled back the sleeve
of the saccos, it was revealed that the hands of Saint Mardarije were completely intact. Clearly visible were
his skin, fingernails and hair. At this point, it was evident that the relics were more than just bones.

The holy relics of Saint Mardarije were lifted out of the metal coffin and placed on two tables which were
prepared for the examination and washing of the holy relics. All of the vestments and clothing were carefully
removed, cutting that which could not easily be taken off in order to not disturb the holy relics. Most
reverent and diligent care and utmost attention were given to the work that was being done; the clergy
continuously sang the troparion to Saint Mardarije and other Paschal hymns.

After all the vestments were removed, it was revealed that the holy relics, from the knee upward, were intact,
although very fragile. The Saint’s anatomy was intact with his skin and hair visible. When the mitre was
removed, his long, dark hair flowed out, confirming his continued monastic struggle until the end of his days.
The hair on his head and beard looked as though he had just reposed; it was very soft. The eyebrows and
eyelashes of his closed eyes were visible. Also, his ears were still intact. The body was easily lifted and
moved. There was a great deal of dust which had accumulated in the grave from the nearly eighty-two years
since the burial. Upon the removal of the dust from the entire body, the holy relics were washed with warm
water and white wine. Hereupon spikenard oil was was used to anoint the body, according to the instructions
received from the Holy Monastery of Hilandar. After the anointing, the color of the skin changed from tan to
a dark brown.

After the washing and anointing, the legs, hands and torso were all wrapped in cotton and linen, making the
holy relics more easily movable. Following this process, the holy relics were temporarily vested in a
stiharion until his vesting takes place before his Glorification in July, 2017. His face was covered with
linen, and he was returned to the temporary metal coffin and covered.

[[File:Saint Mardarije opening relics 2.png]] '''Opening relics''' [[File:Saint Mardarije incorrupt relics 1.jpg]] '''Incorrupt relics'''

The public glorification and translation of the incorrupt relics of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville and All-America took place at Libertyville, Illinois, at the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery, in celebrations from 14-16 July, 2017.

On Sunday, 3/16 July, 2017, exactly 100 years after the Hieromonk Mardarije (Uskokovic) was sent to the USA in order to assist with the Serbian Orthodox Mission of the Russian Orthodox Church in North America, under the leadership of [[Patriarch Irinej (Gavrilovic)]] of Serbia, the public Glorification and Translation of the Relics of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville and All-America was accomplished.

'''Feast-day'''

The Feast-day of Saint Mardarije is 29 November/12 December, the date of his repose.

The annual commemorations of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville, Bishop of the Diocese of America and Canada, and Saint Sebastian of Jackson and San Francisco are observed on 29 November/12 December, and 17/30 November respectively.

'''Tropar and Kontak'''

'''Tropar of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville''' '''Tone 4'''

O God of our Fathers,

ever act towards us in accordance with Your kindness.

Take not away Your mercy from us ;

but through the supplications of Holy Hierarch, Father Mardarije

guide our lives in peace.

'''Kontak of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville''' '''Tone 8'''

O Holy Hierarch, Father Mardarije of Libertyville and America,

tireless preacher of Christ the Lord,

leader on the path of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sava_of_Serbia Saint Sava] for your people in diaspora,

you were a labour-loving practitioner and teacher of repentance.

Together with all the Enlighteners of the American lands,

beseech the only Lover of Mankind

to give all Orthodox Christians peace and unity.

==References==

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Serbian_Orthodox_Church_in_North_and_South_America Historical notes]

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Mardarije_(Uskoković)_of_America Orthodoxwiki biography]

'''Additional information :'''

Bishop Sava of Sumadija ; translation Karin Pieck-Radovanovic ; with a brief introduction by Mateja Matejic ; "History of the Serbian Orthodoc Church in America and Canada: 1891-1941" (Kragujevac : Kalenić, 1998).

[http://westsrbdio.org/en/latest-news/diocesan-news/959-holy-missionaries-mardarije-uskokovic-and-sebastian-dabovich-newly-proclaimed-as-saints-of-the-orthodox-church Western American diocese announcement of glorification]

[https://oca.org/news/headline-news/serbian-orthodox-church-glorifies-two-north-americans OCA news item about glorification]

[https://www.pinterest.com/pin/195414071308299384/ Mystagogy item]

[http://newgracanica.com/ Article about the Uncovering of the Relics 2017]

[https://oca.org/news/headline-news/metropolitan-tikhon-bishop-paul-concelebrate-at-glorification-of-st.-mardar OCA news item, "Metropolitan Tikhon, Bishop Paul concelebrate at Glorification of St. Mardarije of Libertyville" 2017]

[http://www.spc.rs/eng/divine_liturgy_saint_sava_monastery_libertyville Glorification of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville 2017]

[http://www.spc.rs/eng/divine_liturgy_saint_sava_monastery_libertyville Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at Libertyville for the Glorification of Saint Mardarije 14-16 July, 2017]

[http://www.spc.rs/eng Serbian Orthodox Church web-site]

[http://www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws/synod/engrocor/enser_bpmardarije2nedoposta.html Homily by the Newly-glorified Serbian Bishop Mardarije (Uskokovic), delivered on the Second Sunday of Great Lent, at the Church of Saint Olga Orphanage in Kishinev in 1910, on ROCOR web-site]

Please send your suggestions, additions, corrections or contributions to this address :

info@orthodoxcanada.ca

[[Category:Saints]] [[Category:Bishops]] [[Category:RusM]] [[Category:SP]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:46, 10 October 2024
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	words.		words.

	You might ask : ~~'Didn't~~ we learn that the Bible was written by people, by Moses, by David, Isaiah, the		You might ask : ‘Didn’t we learn that the Bible was written by people, by Moses, by David, Isaiah, the
	Prophets, the Apostles and the Evangelists ?' Yes, these people held in their hands the stylus, the writing		Prophets, the Apostles and the Evangelists ?’ Yes, these people held in their hands the stylus, the writing
	utensil, recording the great revelations, which expressed the greatest and most profound thoughts,		utensil, recording the great revelations, which expressed the greatest and most profound thoughts,
	truths, the holiest of all sensibilities, inspired by the Holy Spirit. They were inspired by God.		truths, the holiest of all sensibilities, inspired by the Holy Spirit. They were inspired by God.
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	yourself swept away in reading the Bible. Read the Bible, my dear children, read it often. In addition		yourself swept away in reading the Bible. Read the Bible, my dear children, read it often. In addition
	to the good and the joy it brings you, you will see that. At first it may seem too difficult and obscure		to the good and the joy it brings you, you will see that. At first it may seem too difficult and obscure
	for you, but continue to read. What you ~~won't~~ understand today you will understand tomorrow. Read it,		for you, but continue to read. What you won’t understand today you will understand tomorrow. Read it,
	for in the Bible is the key to eternal joy, to eternal life. Amen.		for in the Bible is the key to eternal joy, to eternal life. Amen.

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	However, Patriarch Dimitrije instead made the Synkell Mardarije the Archimandrite of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakovica,_Belgrade Rakovica Monastery] and rector of its monastic school there. The American Serbians then asked the patriarch to send [[Saint Nikolaj (Velimirovic) \|Bishop Nikolaj (Velimirović)]], which he did, with Archimandrite Mardarije as his deputy.		However, Patriarch Dimitrije instead made the Synkell Mardarije the Archimandrite of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakovica,_Belgrade Rakovica Monastery] and rector of its monastic school there. The American Serbians then asked the patriarch to send [[Saint Nikolaj (Velimirovic) \|Bishop Nikolaj (Velimirović)]], which he did, with Archimandrite Mardarije as his deputy.

	On 1 December, 1923, Archimandrite Mardarije was assigned to be the administrator of the newly-formed [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Serbian_Orthodox_Church_in_North_and_South_America American-Canadian Serbian Orthodox Diocese] with the see in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago Chicago], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois Illinois]. Serving as a parish priest in Chicago, Archimandrite Mardarije did much of the organisational work for the diocese. In that same year, with his own funds, he purchased about 10 acres of land in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertyville,_Illinois Libertyville], Illinois, where later the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Sava%27s_Serbian_Orthodox_Seminary Saint Sava Monastery] was built. He would ride his bicycle for many miles in order to buy bricks for the construction. He would carry these bricks on his bicycle. People used to remark that ~~"He's~~ got nothing to eat, yet he builds a ~~monastery"~~.		On 1 December, 1923, Archimandrite Mardarije was assigned to be the administrator of the newly-formed [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Serbian_Orthodox_Church_in_North_and_South_America American-Canadian Serbian Orthodox Diocese] with the see in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago Chicago], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois Illinois]. Serving as a parish priest in Chicago, Archimandrite Mardarije did much of the organisational work for the diocese. In that same year, with his own funds, he purchased about 10 acres of land in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertyville,_Illinois Libertyville], Illinois, where later the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Sava%27s_Serbian_Orthodox_Seminary Saint Sava Monastery] was built. He would ride his bicycle for many miles in order to buy bricks for the construction. He would carry these bricks on his bicycle. People used to remark that “He’s got nothing to eat, yet he builds a monastery”.

	Archimandrite Mardarije continued as the administrator until he was elected by the Serbian Holy Synod to become the first Serbian Bishop of America and Canada. However, the election on 7 December, 1925, of Archimandrite Mardarije as Bishop of America and Canada occurred when he was in rather poor health, so that he could not travel to Belgrade. There was, therefore, a delay.		Archimandrite Mardarije continued as the administrator until he was elected by the Serbian Holy Synod to become the first Serbian Bishop of America and Canada. However, the election on 7 December, 1925, of Archimandrite Mardarije as Bishop of America and Canada occurred when he was in rather poor health, so that he could not travel to Belgrade. There was, therefore, a delay.
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	Bishop Mardarije arrived in his diocese in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City New York City] on 1/14 July, 1926. He notified Patriarch Dimitrije of this by telegram, and he sent his first report to the patriarch in early September, 1926.		Bishop Mardarije arrived in his diocese in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City New York City] on 1/14 July, 1926. He notified Patriarch Dimitrije of this by telegram, and he sent his first report to the patriarch in early September, 1926.

	In his first hierarchical message to the clergy and the people, Bishop Mardarije acknowledged all (including the deceased), ~~"who~~ had worked for the welfare of the Serbian Church in ~~America"~~.		In his first hierarchical message to the clergy and the people, Bishop Mardarije acknowledged all (including the deceased), “who had worked for the welfare of the Serbian Church in America”.


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	'''Additional information :'''		'''Additional information :'''

	Bishop Sava of Sumadija ; translation Karin Pieck-Radovanovic ; with a brief introduction by Mateja Matejic ; ~~"History~~ of the Serbian ~~Orthodoc~~ Church in America and Canada: 1891-~~1941"~~ (Kragujevac : Kalenić, 1998).		Bishop Sava of Sumadija ; translation Karin Pieck-Radovanovic ; with a brief introduction by Mateja Matejic ; “History of the Serbian Orthodox Church in America and Canada : 1891-1941” (Kragujevac : Kalenić, 1998).

	[http://westsrbdio.org/en/latest-news/diocesan-news/959-holy-missionaries-mardarije-uskokovic-and-sebastian-dabovich-newly-proclaimed-as-saints-of-the-orthodox-church Western American diocese announcement of glorification]		[http://westsrbdio.org/en/latest-news/diocesan-news/959-holy-missionaries-mardarije-uskokovic-and-sebastian-dabovich-newly-proclaimed-as-saints-of-the-orthodox-church Western American diocese announcement of glorification]
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	[http://newgracanica.com/ Article about the Uncovering of the Relics 2017]		[http://newgracanica.com/ Article about the Uncovering of the Relics 2017]

	[https://oca.org/news/headline-news/metropolitan-tikhon-bishop-paul-concelebrate-at-glorification-of-st.-mardar OCA news item, ~~"Metropolitan~~ Tikhon, Bishop Paul concelebrate at Glorification of St. Mardarije of ~~Libertyville"~~ 2017]		[https://oca.org/news/headline-news/metropolitan-tikhon-bishop-paul-concelebrate-at-glorification-of-st.-mardar OCA news item, “Metropolitan Tikhon, Bishop Paul concelebrate at Glorification of St. Mardarije of Libertyville” 2017]

	[http://www.spc.rs/eng/divine_liturgy_saint_sava_monastery_libertyville Glorification of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville 2017]		[http://www.spc.rs/eng/divine_liturgy_saint_sava_monastery_libertyville Glorification of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville 2017]