On Monday, July 6, 2026, the guest of the Morning Programme of the TV channel „Hram“ (“The Temple”) was catechist Branislav Ilić. The topic of the conversation, which was conducted by journalist Marija Petrović, was the significance of the feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, as well as the importance of using modern technologies as an aid in working with young people.
In the introductory part of the conversation, catechist Branislav Ilić spoke about the significance of the feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, emphasizing that everything in the life of Saint John was miraculous, starting from his miraculous conception and birth, through his sermon of repentance, to his martyrdom and sermon to those in Hades. Marija Petrović’s guest emphasized that all the epithets that the Church has given to Saint John best testify to his importance and the role he plays in the economy of our salvation.
In the course of the conversation, catechist Branislav emphasized that Saint John preaches to us today, his sacred example and bright image, awakens all of us and calls us to prepare the way of the Lord, that is, to fill our lives with virtues and good deeds, so that in that contemplation of Christ we may become true Christ-bearers and God-bearers, those who are always reborn in the bath of repentance, following the words of Saint John „Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has drawn near.“ Branislav concluded that our Christian efforts and struggles are never in vain and never remain unanswered.
Inspired by the memory of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, Marija and Branislav emphasized that the example of humility of Saint John the Baptist is the best guidepost to be followed by contemporary Christians, especially those whom the Lord has called to serve him as priests or as catechists and religious teachers. In times of unrest and hustle and bustle, Saint John calls us to be peacemakers and people of humility, and in times of alienation and extreme selfishness, the last prophet of the Old Testament and the first apostle of the New Testament, calls us to make our path the path of love, and to make the love of God and our neighbours the rule and imperative of our lives.
In the spirit of the tenth anniversary of the “Riznica” (“Treasury”) portal, catechist Branislav spoke about the origin, content and significance of the mission that this unique portal carries out. Introducing viewers to the portal’s sections, the guest of Hram Television emphasized that „Riznica“ carries out its mission among young people, especially among students of Religious Education and students of the Theological Seminaries of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The diversity of content conveys that the life of the Church is gracious and dynamic, it sanctifies our everyday lives. Under the Internet dome of the „Riznica“ portal, we can find an abundance of spiritual nourishment in the form of the written and living word, which prepares us for active participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
At the end of the conversation, catechist Branislav spoke about the importance of the correct understanding of modern information technologies and their use in the service of the mission of our holy Church. According to him, when we use everything that is given to us for good, then everything will be for our blessing and salvation. The Church has always been modern, has always kept pace with the times and adapted to the needs of man on his path of salvation.