A Newly Awarded Doctor of Theology

Source: Information Service of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Canada

Mladjan Marjanovic of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Canada Defends Doctoral Dissertation on the Liturgical Foundations of the Church’s Pastoral Ministry to Young People

On September 28 of this year, at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, Mladjan Marjanovic, who is affiliated with the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in youth pastoral theology. His research explores the significance of the Divine Liturgy in shaping and strengthening the pastoral mission of the Serbian Orthodox Church among young people.

Written in Italian, the dissertation is entitled La Divina Liturgia e la pastorale dei giovani. Per un rilancio delle pratiche pastorali nella Chiesa ortodossa serba (“The Divine Liturgy and Youth Ministry: Toward the Renewal of Pastoral Practice in the Serbian Orthodox Church”).

The research addresses one of the important questions facing the Church’s contemporary mission: how to bring younger generations closer to the life of the Church and create the conditions for their full, conscious, and active participation in the Eucharistic community. Drawing upon the Orthodox theological tradition, and particularly the Eucharistic understanding of the Church, the author approaches the Divine Liturgy not as an isolated subject of theological inquiry, but as the foundation and source from which the principles of authentic pastoral ministry emerge.

From this perspective, the Church is understood as a living community gathered around Christ, while young people are not viewed merely as recipients of pastoral programs and activities, but as full members of the Church, called to contribute to the life of the ecclesial community through their gifts, participation, and responsibility.

The first part of the dissertation examines the position of young people in contemporary Serbian society, their relationship with the Church, and the challenges they face in the modern world. Particular attention is given to individualism, the influence of digital culture, changes in lifestyles and communication, and the enduring human search for meaning, belonging, and genuine communion.

The second part establishes the theological foundations of the research, emphasizing the Divine Liturgy as the place in which the nature of the Church as a Eucharistic community is most fully manifested. This understanding gives rise to a pastoral approach to young people grounded in personal encounter, spiritual guidance, the cultivation of meaningful relationships, and their gradual and active integration into the life of the Church.

The final part of the dissertation offers practical guidelines for developing a comprehensive and systematic ministry to young people within the Serbian Orthodox Church. These include personal spiritual guidance and accompaniment, the cultivation of vibrant ecclesial communities, greater participation by young people and the laity in the life of the Church, spiritual camps and retreats, and the responsible use of contemporary means of communication and digital spaces as new fields of missionary activity.

At the heart of this proposed approach remains the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the living encounter with Him within the community of the Church. According to the study’s conclusions, ministry to young people should not be reduced to an increasing number of programs and activities. Rather, it should focus on creating an environment in which young people are welcomed, heard, and spiritually guided, coming to recognize the Church as their home and as the place where life in Christ finds its fullest expression.

The dissertation defense committee consisted of the supervisor, Professor Rossano Sala, Professor Elena Massimi, and Professor Maksim Kivelev. The committee was chaired by Professor Andrea Bozzolo, Rector of the Pontifical Salesian University. During the defense, the committee members particularly emphasized the authenticity and theological grounding of the research, as well as its strong pastoral orientation. They recognized the proposed guidelines as a meaningful contribution to further reflection on the Church’s mission among young people.

Family members, friends, and guests attended the defense and shared in the joy of this important academic achievement.

Mladjan Marjanovic began his academic formation at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome with a propaedeutic year at its Faculty of Philosophy. He subsequently pursued licentiate and doctoral studies in theology, specializing in youth pastoral theology. He completed his academic formation with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop of Toronto and Metropolitan of Canada Dr. Mitrofan.

His principal academic interests include the evangelization of young people, a liturgically grounded approach to youth ministry, and liturgical anthropology. Alongside his pastoral and academic work, Marjanovic is currently completing a translation of the letters and homilies of Saint Leo the Great, Pope of Rome, continuing his engagement with the patristic heritage and theological literature.

At the conclusion of the defense, Marjanovic expressed his gratitude to his family, supervisor, committee members, and professors, as well as to the Salesian community, for their support, brotherhood, and hospitality throughout his academic journey.

He offered particular thanks to His Eminence Archbishop of Toronto and Metropolitan of Canada Dr. Mitrofan for his archpastoral blessing and guidance during his academic formation; to His Grace Bishop Andrey of Switzerland for his hospitality; and to His Grace Bishop Sava, retired Bishop of Slavonia, for his generous and unwavering support. He also expressed his gratitude to the Catholic Committee for Collaboration with the Orthodox Churches and to all those who attended the defense and shared in the joy of this occasion.

The defense of this doctoral dissertation represents the culmination of years of academic effort and pastoral experience, while also providing encouragement for further theological reflection on the Church’s mission among young people. At a time of profound social and cultural change, this research reaffirms the Church’s enduring calling to bear witness to Christ to every generation and to open the way for young people to participate fully, freely, and actively in the life of the Eucharistic community.

The Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Canada extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Mladjan Marjanovic on this significant academic achievement. May his knowledge, theological scholarship, and pastoral experience serve the spiritual benefit of the people of God entrusted to his care, contribute to the continued edification of the Church, and bring glory to God.