Nedeljko (Strelićić) of Rakovica

Holy Hieromartyr Nedeljko (Strelićić) of Rakovica was parish priest at Rakovica, near Belgrade, and was killed by the communists in 1945. He remained almost forgotten for more than half a century.

His memory was kept by the people and clergy of Rakovica, the place where he spent his last years. Thanks to Deacon Aleksandar Azdejković, the truth of his life was brought to light: an akathist, a life and a service were composed, and his icon adorns the church of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas in Rakovica. Father Nedeljko was a true Serbian priest, a great fighter for Orthodoxy, against the concordat and against communism, known as a good preacher who during the war used every occasion to encourage people in his sermons.

At its session of 2022 the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church numbered him among the saints. His commemoration is on 8 May, old style (21 May, new style).