On the evening of February 6, 2025, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia awarded scholarships to gifted students from large families with limited financial means. The ceremony took place for the third consecutive year in the crypt of Saint Sava Cathedral in Belgrade.
The scholarships are funded through a dedicated fund of the Sima A. Igumanov Endowment, overseen by Patriarch Porfirije. This year, the fund amounts to 15,660,000 Serbian dinars, allowing 87 talented students to receive an annual scholarship of 180,000 dinars each.
During his address, Patriarch Porfirije emphasized the vital role of education in the life of the Serbian people: “One of the most crucial pillars of any nation—and particularly our nation—is education. Economic prosperity, security, and the preservation of national borders are all important, but without faith in Christ, these become empty shells. Our Orthodox faith has not only shaped our history but has also sustained us through countless trials. It is what has defined us as a people, whether we had political borders or not.
This Orthodox seal is present throughout our educational and spiritual tradition. For this reason, we firmly believe that education is among the most important aspects of a nation’s strength. As the Holy Elder Porphyrios once said, nothing is as significant as education and enlightenment—from preschools and primary schools to high schools and universities. Without them, no matter how powerful a nation may seem, it will eventually crumble like dust in the wind.”
The gathering also included speeches by Mr. Milovan Popović, a benefactor of the fund, and Professor Dr. Jelena Hadži-Purić, who spoke on behalf of the parents of the scholarship recipients.
At Patriarch Porfirije’s initiative, the Sima A. Igumanov Endowment established this special scholarship fund in 2022 to support gifted students from families with four or more children. The fund relies on donations from generous individuals who wish to contribute to the advancement of the Serbian people.
In its first two years, the fund awarded 46 scholarships, providing essential financial support to students and their families, improving living standards, and enabling access to better educational opportunities.
The scholarship program continues the legacy of Sima Andrejević Igumanov, a distinguished Serbian philanthropist and Orthodox Christian from Kosovo and Metohija. A successful merchant, Igumanov viewed his wealth as a divine gift meant to serve a greater purpose—the advancement and education of Serbian youth.
In 1871, he personally established a theological and teacher-training school in Prizren, dedicated to educating future teachers, priests, bishops, and patriarchs. The Prizren Seminary has since left an indelible mark on Serbian history and education.
Deeply rooted in faith and the experience of the Church, Igumanov recognized that earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but the Church of God endures. This understanding led him to bequeath his estate to the Serbian Orthodox Church for the perpetual education of Serbian youth.
Despite wars, atheistic persecutions, and political turmoil, the Igumanov Endowment has endured—unlike many similar foundations established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which did not survive. Thanks to the wise leadership of Serbian patriarchs, this sacred legacy remains a beacon of hope for generations to come.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
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