2003
Completed the Seminary of Saint Peter of Dabar-Bosnia in Foča.
Bishop
about the bishop
Bishop Nektarije of Britain and Ireland
Bishop Nektarije, born Ratko Samardžić, is the Bishop of London and Great Britain and Ireland and the first hierarch of the newly established British-Irish Eparchy. His ministry is rooted in theological education, monastic life and faithful service to the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Having served as Vicar Bishop of Jegar from 2022 to 2024, he was elected in 2024 to lead the newly established Eparchy with its seat in London. Today, he continues his pastoral mission among the Orthodox faithful across Great Britain and Ireland, working to strengthen spiritual life, parish community and the living tradition of the Church.
Biography
Life and Ministry
Early life
Bishop Nektarije was born in Sarajevo, to his father Nemanja Samardžić (†2009) and mother Nada, née Remić.
He began his primary education in Sarajevo and completed it in Gothenburg, in the Kingdom of Sweden, where his family moved due to the war events of the 1990s.
Theological Education
He completed the Seminary of Saint Peter of Dabar-Bosnia in Foča in 2003.
After seminary, he continued his studies at the Moscow Theological Academy from 2003 to 2006. He later pursued postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Theology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens from 2012 to 2016, and at the Faculty of Theology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki from 2016 to 2019.
At the Faculty of Theology in Thessaloniki, he defended his thesis entitled “Pastoral Reflections on the Ecclesiology of Saint Nektarios of Aegina.”
Monastic and Priestly Ministry
He was tonsured into the small schema on 1 June 2007.
The following day, on 2 June 2007, he was ordained a hierodeacon, and on 16 June 2007 he was ordained to the priesthood.
On 21 July 2013, at the Monastery of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, he was elevated to the dignity of Archimandrite.
Episcopal Ministry
At the regular May session of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in 2022, he was elected Bishop of Jegar, Vicar Bishop of the Serbian Patriarch.
On 26 November 2022, at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Archangel Michael in Belgrade, he was nominated Bishop of Jegar, Vicar of the Serbian Patriarch.
On 27 November 2022, at the Memorial Cathedral of Saint Sava in Vračar, he was consecrated Bishop of Jegar, Vicar of the Serbian Patriarch.
On 18 May 2024, the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church elected him Bishop of the newly established Eparchy of London and Great Britain and Ireland, with its seat in London.
Timeline
Milestones of His Ministry
2003-2006
Studied at the Moscow Theological Academy.
2007
Tonsured a monk, ordained a hierodeacon and ordained to the priesthood.
2013
Elevated to the dignity of Archimandrite..
2022
Elected and consecrated Bishop of Jegar, Vicar Bishop of the Serbian Patriarch.
2024
Elected bishop of the newly founded diocese.
EPISCOPAL MINISTRY
Consecration and Installation
The episcopal consecration of Bishop Nektarije took place on 27 November 2022 at the Memorial Cathedral of Saint Sava in Vračar, Belgrade.
This solemn event marked the beginning of his episcopal ministry as Bishop of Jegar and Vicar Bishop of the Serbian Patriarch.
Following his election as Bishop of the newly established Eparchy of London and Great Britain and Ireland, Bishop Nektarije was entrusted with the pastoral care of the Orthodox faithful across Great Britain and Ireland.
His installation marked an important moment in the life of the Eparchy, opening a new chapter of spiritual, pastoral and missionary work in this region.
ROYAL MESSAGE
Letter from His Majesty King Charles III
“It gives me great pleasure to send my warmest congratulations on the enthronement of Bishop Nektarije as the first Bishop of London and Great Britain and Ireland. As this historic occasion marks a new chapter in the life of the Serbian Orthodox Church…”
