Saturday, December 14, 2024., which is the feast of the Holy and Glorious Prophet Nahum, marked a three month anniversary since the official launch of the missionary portal Kinonia. To commemorate this occasion, we present a text by our regular contributor, Nikoleta Vračević, offering a reflection on the achievements of this portal, as part of the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci.
Owing to the quality of its work, the Kinonia missionary portal is slowly, but surely daily gaining an increasing number of followers. In view of this fact, we can confidently give it the highest accolade. If we take into account the current socio-political situation, where theology is often on the margins of public interest, it is a real joy to observe that the number of views on Kinonia’s content is continually rising.
At the same time, we must not forget the social impact of its missionary work. On the one hand, the Serbian people are faced with enormous hardships, ranging fom poverty and financial struggles to an overarching sense of uncertainty deeply rooted in every segment of society. On the other hand, the relentless hyperproduction of false values in public life, to which we are constantly subjected, makes it even more difficult for the average person to dedicate their free time to following spiritually enriching content.
Yet, Kinonia has managed to overcome these challanges! How come? Because Truth, although facing many obstacles, ultimately reaches those who thirst and hunger for the life-giving Word.
A Mission Against the Current
It is evident that today’s media prioritizes sensationalist news in all aspects of life. Media professionals, following an unspoken rule, compete amongst themselves in trying to publish the most tragic, the bloodiest, and ominously horrific news. In doing so, they often forget about the human soul and the true calling of their profession – to provide timely and truthful information to the public, rather than spreading panic or projecting a false sense of security.
In contrast to this mass-media narrative, Kinonia enters the public arena like a gladiator, striving to preserve the dignity and honour of every human being. With meticulously structured sections – ranging from written articles to spoken word, from interviews with prominent figures to its missionary section, offering crucial information for the Orthodox community – this portal guides the reader towards the Christ-centred order, which calls not only for a vertical relationship with God, but also for a horizontal one, involving dialogue with our brothers and sisters.
It is extremely important to affirm, through the written word, that faith is indispensable to modern man. In a time characterized by an indistinguishable cacophony of voices, with people constantly accusing one another, to be a bearer of good news, surpasses even the trials of Prometheus and the struggles of Don Quixote, and reaches the heights of apostolic mission in the public domain.
More than ever before, Orthodox believers are engaged in a spiritual battle where, imperceptibly, their bodies are subjected to innumerable blows, day in, day out. Yet, what is far more dangerous is the destruction of their personal identity, the erasure of their memory and with it, the loss of Christian virtue.
The Apostolic Spirit of Kinonia
This is why, in the vision and mission of the Kinonia portal, we recognize Peter’s determination, Paul’s perseverance, Martha’s obedience, Mary’s devotion, and John’s love. This testifies to the fact that its work is built upon the principles of Christian unity (sabornost in Serbian).
Christ said, „I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life“ (John 14:6) – should we not, then, walk this path, bear witness to the truth, and live according to God’s values?
We are aware that this is difficult, that it demands the whole of one’s being. But the 21st century has brought about a new era of communication. Several decades have passed since McLuhan’s „Global Village,“ and today, this „village“ has transformed into a metropolis, where increasingly diverse and aggressive forms of communication arise, creating an ever greater chasm between people.
This is why the existence of media content like Kinonia is absolutely necessary – a place where we can find a bridge between the spoken word and the listening ear, between two souls, while building, stone by stone, the fortress of the Church within our own hearts. Only then will we truly win the battle against fear and despair, and experience the living joy of the New Life, the New Era, in the encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ.
