Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Irenaeus and Saint Lupus

The Serbian Orthodox Church and its believers are observing the feast days of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, and Saint Lupus.

Saint Irenaeus, a prominent second-century teacher and defender of the faith against Gnosticism, is honored for his role in preserving apostolic tradition. A student of Saint Polycarp, Irenaeus served as the Bishop of Lyons and was martyred around 202 AD during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. His theological work, ‘Against Heresies’, remains a foundational text for the early Church.

Saint Lupus is also commemorated. A servant of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki, Lupus is noted for his faith and martyrdom. The day also marks the ‘Odanije’ of the Dormition of the Mother of God, a period concluding an eight-day celebration. In the Jerusalem Patriarchate, this tradition includes a procession of the icon of the Dormition following the holy liturgy. Many believers view this day as particularly significant for women and those seeking to start families.