We present to you the new REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia and Hezegovina News 2/2026. You can read previous newsletters here.

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For further information, please contact us at: bishop.jmilic@gmail.com

A New Name for Our Missionary Diocese in Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Since September 2026, our missionary diocese has officially adopted a new name: the Reformed Episcopal Pannonian-Danubian Diocese.

As our missionary work has expanded beyond Croatia and Serbia into Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as we continue to establish contacts with individuals in other countries of the former Yugoslavia and the wider Balkan region, it became increasingly important to adopt a name that would reflect our broader ecclesiastical and missionary identity without being limited to the borders of individual countries.

The name Pannonian-Danubian Diocese was chosen for both geographical and historical reasons. Ancient Pannonia encompassed territories within the region where our churches and missions are active today. The term Danubian, on the other hand, recalls the historical ecclesiastical structures associated with the Reformation in this part of Europe.

This historical connection is particularly meaningful for our oldest parish in Tordinci, Croatia, which has maintained its Reformation heritage since 1551. The parish was part of the wider Danubian Reformation, which played an important role in spreading and establishing Protestant Christianity throughout the region during the sixteenth century.

By adopting the name Pannonian-Danubian, we seek to honour this rich Reformation heritage while expressing the present reality and future vision of our missionary work. The new name connects our historical roots with our continuing commitment to proclaiming the Gospel, planting churches, strengthening Christian communities, and developing the Reformed Episcopal witness throughout the region.

We believe that the Reformed Episcopal Pannonian-Danubian Diocese is a name that best reflects both our ecclesiastical identity and our calling to serve Christ and His Church across national borders.

Mission Work Begins in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Reformed Episcopal Pannonian-Danubian Diocese has expanded its missionary work into Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking another important step in our ministry in the Balkans.

On October 11, 2026, we officially began our mission in Bugojno, central Bosnia, under the leadership of Nermin Begović, our newly appointed mission worker.

Nermin is an experienced Christian minister who served for many years as a pastor in the Evangelical Church. He has maintained close contact with our Church for more than fifteen years and holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in theology. He is also actively involved in humanitarian work, helping people in need.

On September 20, 2026, Nermin was confirmed in our church in Osijek, Croatia. He has now begun evangelistic and missionary activities in Bugojno, with the aim of establishing a new Christian community.

A Challenging Mission Field

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a complex religious and political landscape, shaped by its history and the consequences of the 1992–1995 war. The country is divided into two main entities, while its population consists primarily of Muslim Bosniaks, Orthodox Serbs, and Catholic Croats. Protestant Christians represent a very small minority.

In this environment, missionary work requires patience, wisdom, and sensitivity. Our desire is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, encourage discipleship, and demonstrate God’s love through Christian fellowship and practical service, regardless of people’s ethnic or religious backgrounds.

A Call to Prayer and Support

Establishing a lasting Christian presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina will require prayer, perseverance, and financial support.

Bishop Jasmin Milić Visits the Newest Reformed Episcopal Parish in Rijeka

On Sunday, August 9, 2026, Bishop Jasmin Milić visited the newest parish of the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC) in Croatia, located in the coastal city of Rijeka.

Together with the parish priest, the Rev. Vedran Obućina, Bishop Milić led the worship service and spent time with members of the growing congregation. The visit was an opportunity for pastoral encouragement, Christian fellowship, and discussions about the future development of the parish.

Following the service, the congregation gathered for a community lunch, enjoying a wonderful time of conversation, friendship, and mutual encouragement.

A Young Parish with a Vision for the Future

Rijeka is Croatia’s principal seaport, situated on the northern Adriatic coast in Kvarner Bay. With its rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and important regional role, the city offers significant opportunities for Christian mission and witness.

Our Reformed Episcopal parish in Rijeka is still young, but we are grateful to God for its continued development. Under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Vedran Obućina, we seek to strengthen the congregation, develop regular worship and discipleship, and reach new people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our vision is to build a faithful Christian community rooted in Holy Scripture, historic Anglican worship, and the Reformed Episcopal tradition.

An Invitation to Prayer and Fellowship

We warmly invite churches, mission organisations, and individuals to support our growing parish through prayer, encouragement, and practical assistance.

If you are planning to visit Croatia, we would be delighted to welcome you to Rijeka! Come and worship with us, meet our congregation, and discover this beautiful Adriatic city.

Please keep the Rev. Vedran Obućina and our Reformed Episcopal parish in Rijeka in your prayers as we continue to develop this important ministry.

Participation in the Anglican Convocation in Europe Synod and Conference in Manchester

At the invitation of Bishop Andy Lines, Bishop Jasmin Milić and the Rev. Sergej Beuk represented our Reformed Episcopal Pannonian-Danubian Diocese at the Synod and Conference of the Anglican Convocation in Europe (ACE), held from September 3 to 5, 2026, in Manchester, England.

The Anglican Convocation in Europe is part of the Anglican Network in Europe (ANiE), a growing fellowship of Anglican churches committed to the authority of Holy Scripture, the historic Anglican faith, and the proclamation of the Gospel throughout Europe.

The conference brought together bishops, clergy, and church representatives for worship, biblical teaching, theological reflection, and discussions about the future of Anglican mission in Europe.

The programme included biblical teaching by Bishop Stuart Bell on the Epistle to the Hebrews, presentations by Andrew Fellows addressing contemporary cultural challenges, and a pastoral address by Bishop Andy Lines encouraging greater theological depth and faithfulness in Christian ministry.

The Synod also addressed important matters concerning the future development, organisation, and growth of Anglican churches across Europe.

For our delegation, the gathering was a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with fellow Anglican leaders, share experiences from our missionary work in Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and continue developing our cooperation with the Anglican Network in Europe.

Sunday Worship at Bishop Gideon Ilechukwu’s Cathedral

On Sunday, September 6, Bishop Jasmin Milić and the Rev. Sergej Beuk were warmly welcomed at the Cathedral Church of Restoration in Manchester, where the Rt. Rev. Dr. Gideon Chukwudalu Ilechukwu serves as bishop of the Anglican Missionary Congregations (AMC), another diocese within ANiE.

During the worship service, the Rev. Sergej Beuk spoke about the missionary work of our Pannonian-Danubian Diocese, sharing news of the development of our churches and missions in the Balkans, particularly the growing ministry in Serbia.

Bishop Jasmin Milić preached the sermon, proclaiming the Word of God and encouraging the congregation through the message of the Gospel.

The service was a truly blessed experience, marked by joyful worship, warm Christian fellowship, and a shared commitment to the mission of the Church.

Bishop Gideon Ilechukwu and his team were exceptional hosts, welcoming our delegation with genuine Christian love, generosity, and hospitality. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to worship together and experience the richness and diversity of the Anglican family.

Growing Together in Mission

Our participation in the Manchester conference and the Sunday worship service was particularly meaningful as our Diocese continues the process of developing a formal relationship with the Anglican Network in Europe, while maintaining our ecclesiastical identity and relationship with the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC).

We believe that stronger relationships between faithful Anglican churches across Europe will contribute to the proclamation of the Gospel, the planting of new congregations, the training of Christian leaders, and mutual encouragement in missionary work.

The fellowship experienced in Manchester reminded us that, despite differences in language, culture, and national background, we are united in Jesus Christ and in our calling to make Him known.

We thank Bishop Andy Lines for his invitation, Bishop Gideon Ilechukwu and his congregation for their wonderful hospitality, and all our brothers and sisters who welcomed and encouraged us during our visit.

Please continue to pray for the growing cooperation between our Diocese and the Anglican Network in Europe, and for the Lord’s blessing upon the mission of faithful Anglican churches throughout the continent.

Continuation of the Mission in Split

After a two-year pause, our missionary work in Split, one of Croatia’s most historic cities, has begun a new chapter.

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the invitation of several young people who expressed their desire for worship and Christian fellowship, the Rev. Vedran Obućina, our priest serving in Rijeka, travelled to Split and conducted a worship service.

Two years ago, we had to temporarily suspend our missionary activities in Split to focus our limited resources on developing new missions elsewhere. However, God has opened a new door, and following this encouraging gathering, it was agreed that our mission in Split would continue, with the hope of establishing a regular worshipping community.

Split: A City with a Rich Christian Heritage

Split is one of Croatia’s most historic cities, located on the Adriatic coast in Dalmatia. Its history is closely connected with the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who built his magnificent palace there in the early fourth century.

Remarkably, Diocletian’s mausoleum later became the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (St. Duje), dedicated to a Christian bishop and martyr traditionally associated with the persecutions under Diocletian. Today, the cathedral remains an active place of Christian worship and a powerful testimony to the endurance of the Christian faith.

A New Beginning for Our Mission

We are particularly grateful for the initiative of the young people whose desire for Christian fellowship made this renewed mission possible.

Our vision is to establish a faithful Christian community rooted in Holy Scripture, historic Anglican worship, and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Please remember the renewed mission in Split, the Rev. Vedran Obućina, and the young people involved in your prayers.

We trust that the Lord will bless this new beginning and strengthen the witness of the Reformed Episcopal Church in Split and throughout Dalmatia.

Confirmations in Belgrade and a New Space for Our Mission

The Reformed Episcopal Church in Serbia continues to grow, with new members joining the Church, increasing interest among young people, and the opening of a new space for worship and missionary activities in Belgrade.

On September 19, 2026, Bishop Jasmin Milić celebrated a worship service in Belgrade, during which he confirmed Veljko, a young man with a deep love for Jesus Christ and His Word.

We were especially pleased to welcome two guests from England, the Rev. Canon Andrew Symes and Robin Whaley, representing the Anglican Network in Europe (ANiE). Their presence was a great encouragement to our growing mission and a sign of strengthening fellowship between our churches.

In recent months, more young people from Belgrade and other parts of Serbia have expressed interest in the Reformed Episcopal Church. Some travel considerable distances to attend worship services and learn more about our Anglican tradition. Further confirmations are already being planned.

A New Space for Worship and Mission

Beginning in October 2026, we have rented new premises in Belgrade to support the continued development of our mission.

This space will serve as a centre for Sunday worship, Bible studies, pastoral meetings, Christian fellowship, and the activities of our Anglican Institute, through which we hope to promote theological education and introduce more people to the Anglican and Reformed Episcopal tradition.

We are also deeply grateful to the Roman Catholic Church for its hospitality. We will continue to hold worship services once a month in a Roman Catholic church in Belgrade, while services on the remaining Sundays will take place in our new premises.

Under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Sergej Beuk, we seek to build a faithful Christian community rooted in Holy Scripture, historic Anglican worship, and the proclamation of the Gospel.

A Call to Prayer and Support

The growth of our mission brings new opportunities but also financial responsibilities, particularly the cost of maintaining our rented premises and developing regular missionary activities.

Please pray for the Rev. Sergej Beuk, our growing congregation, the young people preparing for confirmation, and the development of the Anglican Institute.

We also warmly invite churches, mission organisations, and individuals to support our ministry through prayer, partnership, and financial assistance.

We give thanks to God for the doors He is opening in Serbia and trust Him to guide and bless the continued growth of our mission in Belgrade.

To God be the glory!

Visit from the Anglican Network in Europe

As part of the ongoing process of our Pannonian-Danubian Diocese joining the Anglican Network in Europe (ANiE), we were delighted to welcome two distinguished guests from England, the Rev. Canon Andrew Symes and Robin Whaley, who visited us from September 18 to 20, 2026.

Their visit was an important opportunity to strengthen our fellowship, deepen mutual understanding, and further develop the relationship between our Reformed Episcopal Diocese and the Anglican Network in Europe.

During their stay, our guests visited our mission in Belgrade, Serbia, where they had the opportunity to experience firsthand the development of our ministry and meet members of our growing Christian community.

They also joined us in Tordinci and Osijek, Croatia, where we shared in worship, prayer, and Christian fellowship.

During the worship services, the Rev. Canon Andrew Symes preached the Word of God, bringing encouragement and spiritual nourishment to our congregations. Robin Whaley also shared a brief testimony of his missionary experience, offering valuable insights and encouragement from his involvement in Christian mission.

Their presence was a genuine blessing to our clergy and congregations, reminding us of the importance of Christian unity, mutual support, and partnership in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Strengthening Our Partnership with ANiE

Our Diocese is currently engaged in the process of establishing a closer formal relationship with the Anglican Network in Europe, while maintaining our identity and ecclesiastical relationship with the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC).

We believe that closer cooperation with ANiE will provide important opportunities for fellowship, mutual encouragement, theological education, and missionary collaboration within the wider Anglican family in Europe.

As our missionary work continues to expand across Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, such relationships are especially valuable. They remind us that although our congregations may be small and geographically dispersed, we are part of a much wider fellowship of Christians committed to the authority of Holy Scripture, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the historic Anglican faith.

Grateful for Fellowship and Encouragement

We are deeply grateful to the Rev. Canon Andrew Symes and Robin Whaley for taking the time to visit our churches and missions, worship with our congregations, and share their experience and encouragement.

Their visit has strengthened our sense of fellowship and our hope for future cooperation.

We ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for the successful completion of the process of our Diocese joining the Anglican Network in Europe, and for God’s continued guidance as we seek to develop faithful Anglican witness throughout the Balkans.

May the Lord bless our growing partnership and use it for the advancement of His Kingdom and the proclamation of the Gospel.

Sermon by the Rev. Canon Andrew Symes in Tordinci.

Humanitarian Outreach in Rijeka: Supporting Families in Need

The Protestant Reformed Church congregation in Rijeka, in cooperation with the Opatija Red Cross, organised a humanitarian initiative to provide firewood to elderly people and low-income households in the wider Rijeka and Opatija area.

The campaign focused on families and individuals living in the villages of Zvoneća, Rukavac, and Veprinac, where firewood remains an important source of heating during the colder months.

This initiative is part of the congregation’s annual commitment to helping vulnerable members of the local community and demonstrating Christian love through practical acts of compassion and service.

Faith Expressed Through Practical Love

For our congregation, Christian mission involves not only proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ but also responding to the everyday needs of those around us. Supporting elderly people, families facing financial difficulties, and individuals experiencing hardship is an important expression of our Christian calling.

Through cooperation with the Opatija Red Cross, the congregation seeks to strengthen relationships within the local community and provide meaningful assistance to those who need it most.

We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this humanitarian effort and helped make it possible.

Please pray for our congregation in Rijeka and its continued commitment to serving those in need. May this ministry bring practical relief, encouragement, and hope to the people it reaches.

Mission Needs for 2027 – An Invitation to Partner with Us

We warmly invite mission organisations, churches, and individual supporters to prayerfully consider our missionary needs for 2027 and, according to their possibilities, become partners in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ in Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Your prayers, generosity, and practical support are essential to sustaining and developing our missionary work in this region. Every contribution, regardless of its size, makes a meaningful difference.

Belgrade Mission – €6,000 Needed for 2027

To maintain our newly rented mission premises and continue our ministry in Belgrade throughout 2027, we need €6,000.

This amount will cover the rental costs of our permanent mission space, used for Sunday worship, pastoral care, Bible studies, theological education, and missionary activities, as well as the monthly use of a Roman Catholic church for worship services.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported our Belgrade mission during 2026. Your generosity has made it possible for us to continue this important ministry and establish a stronger foundation for future growth.

However, without continued financial support, it will be extremely difficult for us to maintain these facilities and sustain our missionary work in Belgrade.

We sincerely ask you to consider supporting this mission in 2027. Whether through a one-time donation, regular monthly giving, or support from your church or mission organisation, your partnership will help us keep the doors open and continue proclaiming the Gospel in Serbia.

Thank you for standing with us in faith, prayer, and mission.

Long – term project

Church space in Belgrade – around $200,000

Mission Work in Bosnia and Herzegovina – €3,000 Needed for 2027

To not only establish but also sustain and develop our newly launched missionary work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we need €3,000 for 2027 to cover the rental costs of a suitable mission space.

This space will provide a place for worship, Bible studies, pastoral meetings, evangelistic activities, and the development of a new Christian community in Bugojno.

Our mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina is still in its earliest stages, and securing a stable meeting place is essential for its long-term development.

We warmly invite churches, mission organisations, and individual supporters to help us establish a lasting Reformed Episcopal presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Every contribution will help us proclaim the Gospel, reach new people, and build a faithful Christian community in this important mission field.

We are deeply grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and financial partnership.

Mission work in Karlovac & Zagreb

1. Monthly rent for worship space (for Zagreb and Karlovac) – $200

2. Travel expenses: $100

Total for 2027: – $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