Saint Nikolai Velimirovich of Ohrid and Žiča or Nikolaj Velimirović was bishop of the eparchies of Ohrid and Žiča in the Serbian Orthodox Church, an influential theological writer and a highly gifted orator, known as The New Chrysostom.His birth name was Nikola. As a young man, he came close to dying of dysentery, and decided that he would dedicate his life to God if he survived. Survive he did, and was tonsured as a monk under the name Nikolaj. He was ordained into the clergy, and quickly became an important leader and spokesperson for the Serbian Orthodox Church, especially in its relations with the West. When the Germans occupied Yugoslavia in World War II, Velimirović was imprisoned and eventually taken to Dachau concentration camp in Germany.
After being liberated by the Allies at the end of the war, he chose not to return to Yugoslavia . He moved to the United States in 1946, where he remained until his death in 1956. He strongly supported the unity of all Orthodox churches and established particularly good relationships with the Anglican and Episcopal Church.
“We are waiting for Christ, and not a better time.”
Ми чекамо Христа, а не боље време. <br class="br">Prayerful songs http://www.svetosavlje.org/biblioteka/vlNikolaj/PesmeMolitvene/Nikolaj100219.htm
“Bless my enemies, O Lord, even I bless them and do not curse them.”
Благослови непријатеље моје, Господе, и ја их благосиљам и не кунем. <br class="br">Prayers by the Lake http://www.sv-luka.org/praylake/index.htm
