In 1991, hieromonk Atanasije Jevtić was consecrated as Bishop of Banat at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Vršac on July 7, the feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist.
The ceremony, led by Serbian Patriarch Pavle and several bishops, was attended by notable church figures, including Metropolitan Jovan Zizioulas of Pergamon. Following tradition, after circling the Holy Table three times, led by Metropolitan John, the Bishop-elect knelt on both knees before the Holy Altar, where Patriarch Pavle consecrated him. Moved, Atanasije shed tears throughout the ceremony and afterwards blessed his congregation for the first time.
The ceremony, led by Serbian Patriarch Pavle and several bishops, was attended by notable church figures, including Metropolitan Jovan Zizioulas of Pergamon. Following tradition, after circling the Holy Table three times, led by Metropolitan John, the Bishop-elect knelt on both knees before the Holy Altar, where Patriarch Pavle consecrated him. Moved, Atanasije shed tears throughout the ceremony and afterwards blessed his congregation for the first time.
