CZECHIA. The Vicar prayerfully honored the memory of Archbishop Simeon (Yakovlevich) on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the hierarch’s birth

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

For the Vicar of the Slavic Vicariate, Archimandrite Alexander, the elected Bishop of Nicopolis, such a mentor was His Grace Simeon (Yakovlevich; 1926–2024) — the ever-memorable Archbishop of Olomouc and Brno of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia. It was in this Church that Fr. Alexander began his path of priestly service. Here he graduated from the Orthodox Theological Faculty of the University of Prešov in Slovakia (Master of Theology) and from Charles University in Prague (Doctor of Theology). For eight years Fr. Alexander served as the personal secretary to Bishop Simeon — a close collaborator and disciple who absorbed his pastoral experience and theological wisdom.

Fifteen years ago, on February 12, 2011, at the Monastery of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos in Vilémov, Archbishop Simeon ordained Alexander Belya to the diaconate, and on February 13, in the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas in Brno, he ordained him to the priesthood. These moments have forever remained in Fr. Alexander’s heart as the blessed beginning of his priestly journey.

February 12 would have marked the 100th anniversary of Archbishop Simeon’s birth. On the eve of this significant date, Archimandrite Alexander performed a memorial litany at the grave of the ever-memorable hierarch on the grounds of the Church of SS John and Paul in Prague.

Archimandrite Alexander recalls Archbishop Simeon with deep warmth and gratitude: “He was truly a great pastor — a man of profound faith, love for his flock, and selfless service to God and the Orthodox Church. He was not only a wise archpastor but also an outstanding theologian: many books and works bear his authorship. For me, the example of his meekness, prayerfulness, and devotion to the Church will forever remain engraved in my heart. May the Merciful Lord grant rest to the soul of His faithful servant among the righteous and bestow upon him the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Kingdom of Heaven and eternal rest!