Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović: Old Controversies in Historical and Theological Context

Editors: Vladimir Cvetković and Dragan Bakić

This volume offers a critical and balanced reassessment of Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović, one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern Serbian Orthodox thought. Moving beyond polarized narratives—whether hagiographic or condemnatory—the contributors aim to dismantle ideologically-driven interpretations by engaging directly with primary sources, including Velimirović’s own writings.

Bringing together leading scholars in theology, history, and political science, the book situates Bishop Nikolaj within the broader contexts of Serbian ecclesiastical life, interwar politics, exile, and postwar legacy. The collected essays explore themes such as nationalism, ecumenism, political theology, anti-communism, and the bishop’s engagement with the early World Council of Churches. By re-examining longstanding assumptions and encouraging a more nuanced discourse, this volume not only enriches the scholarly understanding of Velimirović but also contributes to broader debates on religion, politics, and identity in 20th-century Southeastern Europe.

456 pages, softbound
Co-published with Institute for Balkan Studies SASA, 2022