REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH CROATIA & SERBIA NEWS 1/2026
We present to you the new REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH Croatia & Serbia News 1/2026. You can read previous newsletters here.
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For further information, please contact us at: bishop.jmilic@gmail.com
Church in Tordinci Celebrates 475th Anniversary – Solemn Worship Service Broadcast on National Television
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, a solemn worship service marked the 475th anniversary of the first recorded mention of our parish in Tordinci. The celebration was broadcast live on Croatian national television, allowing viewers throughout the country to participate in this historic occasion.
The parish in Tordinci is the oldest Croatian Protestant parish, and it was here, on Pentecost in 1551, that the first Protestant synod in Croatia was held, making Tordinci one of the most significant locations in the history of the Protestant Reformation in this region.
In addition to clergy from our own Church, the celebration was attended by representatives of the Global Methodist Church, the Reformed Christian Church of Hungarians, and the Old Catholic Church. Awards and certificates of appreciation were presented to individuals deserving special recognition as a sign of gratitude for their faithful service and contribution to the life and ministry of our Church.
The national television broadcast of this commemorative worship service can be viewed in the video below.
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Good Shepherd Sunday Celebrated in Osijek
On Good Shepherd Sunday, the congregation in Osijek joyfully celebrated its Parish Day with a solemn worship service marking the Feast of the Good Shepherd.
The service brought together members of the congregation in thanksgiving and worship as they reflected on Christ, the Good Shepherd, who lovingly leads, protects, and cares for His flock. The celebration served as an opportunity to give thanks for God’s faithfulness, the life of the parish, and its ongoing ministry within the local community.
Ordination of an Anglican Priest in Belgrade
The Reformed Episcopal Church – Belgrade, has received its new priest. The former deacon, Dr. Sergej Beuk, was ordained to the office of presbyter on Saturday, May 23, 2026, through the laying on of hands by Bishop Dr. Jasmin Milić. Through this ordination, he became the only Anglican priest from Serbia who conducts worship services in the Serbian language.
For several decades, Serbia has also been home to a chaplaincy of the Church of England, which provides pastoral care for believers of the Anglican tradition and is part of the Anglican Communion. Its parish priest, who comes from the United Kingdom, also serves as the apocrisiarius of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Worship services are conducted in the English language.
In addition, since 2011 the Reformed Episcopal Church has officially operated in Belgrade as a member of the Global Anglican Communion (GAFCON). It emerged as a response to liberal trends that appeared in certain Anglican provinces, both in theological and ethical matters.
After the then-parish priest of the Reformed Episcopal Church in Belgrade left his ministry in 2019, Sergej Beuk was soon appointed as a postulant. In 2023, he was ordained as a deacon through the laying on of hands by the Right Reverend Bishop Ray Sutton.
The Reverend Dr. Sergej Beuk completed his undergraduate studies in pedagogy at the Faculty of Philosophy in Sarajevo and Belgrade, while his master’s degree in cultural studies was earned at the Faculty of Culture and Media in Belgrade. He studied theology at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, where he received the degree of Master of Theology in 2014. He earned his Doctor of Theology degree in 2024 at the Protestant Theological Seminary in Osijek.
He performs his priestly ministry on a voluntary basis, while professionally serving at the Belgrade Youth Center as Program Director. During his career, he has organized more than 2,500 programs and projects in the fields of theology, philosophy, and culture. He is the author of several scholarly papers published both domestically and internationally, as well as three professional monographs. He also serves as President of the Anglican Theological Institute.
The Reverend Sergej Beuk is married and the father of one son.
We wish the new priest God’s blessing, wisdom, and strength in his future ministry.
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WATCH THE VIDEO:
The Book of Common Prayer ( Altar Edition) in Serbian
We are grateful to God that we have translated and published the Book of Common Prayer (Liturgical Edition) in the Serbian language.
This edition includes Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, the Holy Communion (Eucharistic) Liturgy, and a selection of additional prayers.
We continue to translate further portions of the Book of Common Prayer into both Serbian and Croatian as needed for our regular worship services and other pastoral ministries.
Open Doors Presents the 2026 World Watch List in Zagreb
Mr. Kurt Igler, a representative of the international organization Open Doors, which advocates for the rights of persecuted Christians worldwide, visited Zagreb on June 19–20 at the invitation of the Croatian Protestant Conference (Hrvatska protestantska konferencija – HPK), where he presented the 2026 World Watch List.
For more than seventy years, Open Doors has provided practical and spiritual support to persecuted Christians in more than seventy countries around the world.
According to data presented by the organization, one in every seven Christians worldwide faces severe persecution or discrimination. This includes violence, the burning of churches, destruction of private property, restrictions on employment and public worship, and other limitations that threaten their family, social, and church life. Open Doors warned that conditions have deteriorated dramatically over the past fifteen years, with the number of cases of extreme persecution continuing to rise.
North Korea ranks first on the 2026 World Watch List, followed by Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, and Mali.
During their stay in Zagreb, the Open Doors and Croatian Protestant Conference delegation—consisting of Mr. Kurt Igler, Bishop Jasmin Milić, and Senior Pastor Vatroslav Župančić—met with representatives of several Christian Churches. Meetings were held with Bishop Vjekoslav Huzjak of Bjelovar-Križevci, President of the Bishops’ Commission for Ecumenism of the Croatian Bishops’ Conference, and with Bishop Kirilo Bojović of the Metropolitanate of Zagreb and Ljubljana of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
During the discussions, Bishop Huzjak emphasized an initiative to launch a prayer campaign with a strong ecumenical dimension, bringing Christians together around the common goal of supporting persecuted believers and all those who suffer because of their faith.
A reception for the delegation—consisting of Mr. Kurt Igler, Senior Pastor Vatroslav Župančić, and Ms. Martina Lukić—was organized at the Croatian Parliament by Member of Parliament Marijana Petir. On that occasion, she highlighted the successful cooperation between state institutions and Christian Churches in implementing a scholarship program for Christian students from countries experiencing severe persecution who come to Croatia to pursue their studies.
Representatives of the Croatian Protestant Conference also informed participants about the case involving the City of Zagreb, which rejected a request to illuminate the Zagreb Fountains in red as a sign of solidarity with persecuted Christians on the occasion of Red Wednesday last November.
“On that occasion, the Croatian Protestant Conference presented the case concerning the City of Zagreb, which refused permission to illuminate the Zagreb Fountains as a sign of solidarity with persecuted Christians on Red Wednesday. Because of the failure of the competent city authorities to act, the Croatian Protestant Conference was compelled to initiate administrative proceedings before the Administrative Court,” said Senior Pastor Vatroslav Župančić, President of the Croatian Protestant Conference.
The central event took place on Saturday at the Hotel Dubrovnik in Zagreb. The gathering was welcomed by Senior Pastor Vatroslav Župančić, President of the Croatian Protestant Conference, and Bishop Jasmin Milić, General Secretary. In addition to Kurt Igler, representatives of public and political life actively supporting assistance to persecuted Christians also addressed those in attendance.
Member of the European Parliament Tomislav Sokol noted that, following a lengthy legislative process, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the persecution of Christians—an initiative that he himself had launched. He emphasized that the greatest challenge during negotiations was ensuring that the resolution explicitly recognized Christians as the most persecuted religious community in the world.
“The targeted deportations of Christians in Turkey under the pretext of national security are just one example in a series of systematic attacks against Christians, the world’s most persecuted religious community. Europe must not remain a passive observer, because abandoning the defense of the persecuted would mean abandoning the fundamental values upon which it was built,” said Tomislav Sokol.
Ivan Marečić spoke about the implementation of Croatia’s scholarship program for persecuted Christians, while Daniel Hinšt moderated a panel discussion on the situation of Christians in Iran. The musical program featured Christian musician Danko Tomanić, and the event was hosted by Željka Mandić.
The gathering also included young Christians who had been forced to flee their homelands because of persecution. In their testimonies, they expressed gratitude to Croatia for providing them with safety, educational opportunities, and renewed hope for the future.
The 2026 World Watch List is available at:
https://opendoors.com.hr/
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Solemn Confirmation Service and Reception of New Members Held in Zagreb, Croatia
June 21, 2026
Karte, vodiči, zastave i sl.
Zagreb, June 20, 2026 – On Saturday, June 20, 2026, a solemn Service of Confirmation was held in Zagreb, during which four young believers publicly affirmed their faith through confirmation and were received into the membership of the Zagreb parish of the Reformed Episcopal Church.
The service was led by Bishop Jasmin Milić of the Reformed Episcopal Church, together with the Very Rev. Canon Almir Pehlić, Rector of the Karlovac and Zagreb parishes, and the Rev. Vedran Obućina, Rector of the Rijeka Parish.
Also participating in the service was the host, Rev. Vatroslav Župančić, pastor of the Evangelical Methodist Church (Global Methodist Church), who, at the beginning of the service, presented certificates to the catechism students in recognition of their successful completion of their catechetical instruction.
In his sermon, Bishop Milić connected the Gospel reading from Matthew 10:26–33 with the opening question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism, emphasizing that Jesus Christ is the Christian’s only true comfort in life and in death. He reminded the congregation that nothing happens in the life of a believer apart from the knowledge and providence of our Heavenly Father, and that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to live for God both now and in the years to come.
Povijest
Also in attendance was Mr. Kurt Igler, representative of Open Doors, who briefly addressed the congregation. Earlier that day, he presented the latest World Watch List, documenting the persecution of Christians around the world, in Zagreb. You can read more about this presentation in a separate article on our website.
Among the guests were Rev. Ed Fowler and his wife, Marjorie, from the United States, longtime friends of our church who have visited Croatia and our congregations on numerous occasions over the years.
Following the service, the congregation gathered for a time of Christian fellowship and refreshments, celebrating this joyful occasion together with the newly confirmed members and the entire church family.
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Bible Donation
We are deeply grateful to Eastern European Mission (EEM) for their generous donation of 1,200 Bibles in the Croatian language.
For more than sixty years, Eastern European Mission has been dedicated to making God’s Word available throughout Central and Eastern Europe and beyond by providing Bibles and Christian literature in the languages of local people. Through partnerships with churches and Christian ministries, EEM helps equip believers and supports evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.
This generous gift represents a significant contribution to the mission and evangelistic ministry of our Church. These Bibles will be distributed through our congregations, outreach programs, pastoral ministry, and evangelistic activities, enabling many people to receive and read the Holy Scriptures in their own language.
We thank God for this valuable partnership and pray that His Word will continue to transform lives and bear lasting spiritual fruit throughout Croatia.
REC Croatia and Serbia at the 58th General Council of the Reformed Episcopal Church
From June 10–12, 2026, the 58th General Council of the Reformed Episcopal Church was held in Richmond, Virginia, USA.
Representing the Reformed Episcopal Church in Croatia and Serbia, Bishop Jasmin Milić and the Rev. Fr. Sergej Beuk participated in the proceedings of the Council.
The General Council convenes once every three years and serves as the highest legislative and advisory body of the Church. This year’s gathering brought together representatives of parishes, international jurisdictions, as well as a large number of clergy and bishops from various parts of the world.
On June 9, the day before the General Council convened, the REC Europe 100 Mission Cohort gathered for its annual meeting, bringing together representatives from Croatia and Serbia, the Netherlands, Germany and England.
The session was chaired by Bishop John Boonzaaijer and Canon Michael Vinson, while the Rev. Fr. Tony Melton delivered the keynote address.
The work of the Council commenced with a solemn worship service during which Bishop Jason Grote was consecrated and installed as the new bishop of the Diocese of the Central States, succeeding Bishop Peter Manto.
At the same time, the Synod of the Diocese of the Central States was also convened.
During the business sessions of the General Council, numerous reports were presented concerning the work of individual dioceses and mission fields. The report on the ministry and activities of our Church was delivered by the Rev. Sergej Beuk, who outlined the development of church life and the various activities undertaken during the past triennium.
Bishop Jasmin Milić also addressed the assembly.
Of particular significance for our Church was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Anglican Network in Europe.
On behalf of the Protestant Reformed Christian Church in Croatia and Serbia, the agreement was signed by Presiding Bishop Ray Sutton and Bishop Jasmin Milić, while Bishop Andy Lines signed the document on behalf of the Anglican Network in Europe.
This agreement represents an important step toward the integration of our Diocese into the Anglican Network in Europe and further strengthens the bonds of fellowship and cooperation between our churches.
NEEDS
Mission work in Virovitica:
The need for this new mission project is the rental of the space – $250 per month.
Total $3,000 per year
Mission work in Belgrade
1. Monthly rent for worship space – $300
2. Monthly Travel expenses: $200
Total for 2025: – $6000
Long – term project
Church space in Belgrade – around $200,000
Mission work in Karlovac & Zagreb
1. Monthly rent for worship space (for Zagreb and Karlovac) – $200
2. Travel expenses: $100
Total for 2025: – $3.600
Long – term project for the church building in Karlovac
$15,000 in the fund
Need another $50,000
General needs
For the translation and printing of the Book of Common Prayer and other literature, for assistance to families in need, and other needs – Any help, even the smallest, is welcome.
Our clergy and lay ministers
Rt. Rev. Jasmin Milić, PhD, received his master’s degree (MTh) and doctorate (PhD) at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek. He is the author of 13 books, and ministers as the rector of parishes in Osijek and Tordinci and a Church planter in Belgrade (Serbia). Likewise, he taught at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, where he also worked for a time as the Dean for External Studies, and at the Protestant Theological Faculty in Novi Sad (Serbia), where he worked as the Academic Dean. For over 20 years, he taught religious education in two state (public) schools, and for ten years hosted the radio show “Sources of Faith”, which was broadcast on over 20 radio stations throughout Croatia. He is married and has a son and a daughter.
Rev. Canon Almir Pehlić, ThD, completed his BTh at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek and received his master’s degree (MDiv) and doctorate (ThD) at the “Michael Starin” Protestant Theological Seminary in Osijek. He is the rector of the churches in Karlovac and Zagreb and a church planter in Split. Also, he is the academic dean and a lecturer at the “Michael Starin” Protestant Theological Seminary. In 2024, he published his third book of poetry.
Rev. Damir Sitar, MDiv, completed his studies at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek (MTh) and at the “Michael Starin” Protestant Theological Seminary in Osijek (MDiv). Also holds B.A. in Pedagogy degree from University of Osijek. He is the priest of the Romani parish in Kapelna, and serves as the president of our humanitarian organization PASTIR (Protestant Samaritan Work). Likewise, he also works as an Educator at the Center for Youth Education. He is married and has two daughters and two granddaughters.
Rev. Nenad Adžić, MDiv, completed the study of Economics and BTh at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek and MDiv at the “Michael Starin” Protestant Theological Seminary in Osijek. He is the Assistant pastor in Tordinci, and is employed at the tax service and serves the church part-time. Also, he is the editor of the very influential Christian website Novi Život (New Life).
Rev Vedran Obućina, PhD, completed his BA Degree in Theology ( “Michael Starin” Protestant Theological Seminary in Osijek), Masters Degree in Political Science (University of Zagreb), and his PhD in Religious History (University of Regensburg). He has authored one book and several book chapters, and has written more than 30 scientific and specialist articles in fields of theology, religious studies, interreligious dialogue, area studies, history, and comparative politics. He is the parish priest in Rijeka, Croatia.
Rev. Sergej Beuk, ThD, completed the study of Pedagogy (BA) at the Faculty of Philosophy in Sarajevo and Belgrade, and Cultural Studies (MA) at the Faculty of Culture and Media in Belgrade. He studied theology (MTh) at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek. Currently serves as a Church Planter in Belgrade. He is employed at the Belgrade Youth Center as a Program director, where he organised over 2.500 programs and projects in the fields of theology, philosophy and culture. He published scientific papers in the country and abroad, along with three professional monographs. Likewise, he is the president of the Anglican Theological Institute in Belgrade. He is married and father of one son.
Lay Reader Domagoj Rade, serves in the church in Karlovac. He completed the program of Computer Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology (B.Sc.), and is currently studying at the “Mihael Starin” Protestant Theological Seminary.
Lay Reader Dragan Tomašević, is a REC seminarian at the “Mihael Starin” Protestant Theological Seminary in Osijek He serves in REC Zagreb since October 2024. He is married and has two daughters and one son.
Lay Reader Mario Kushner studied at several academic institutions (Theological Biblical Academy in Croatia, Shepherd’s Theological Seminary in USA, European Bible Trainings Centrum in Germany, Irpin Bible Seminary in Ukraine, and The Master’s Seminary in USA) where he earned academic degrees B.Th. and Th.M. In the past 10 years he has lectured at several Bible schools and theological seminaries in Croatia and Serbia. He is a member of the Croatian Evangelical Theological Society. He is married and has one daughter.
