FATHER MLADEN GARDOVIĆ
Early Life and Background
Father Mladen Gardović was born on May 13, 1988, in Priboj, Republic of Serbia. He comes from a priestly family; his father served as a priest in Štrpci, where Father Mladen spent his early childhood.
At the age of twelve, due to his father’s professional obligations, the family moved to Canada, where Father Mladen completed both his elementary and secondary education.
Theological Education and Early Clerical Calling
After finishing high school, Father Mladen began his theological studies. With the blessing of the then Bishop George of Canada, he enrolled at the Orthodox Theological Faculty of Saint Basil of Ostrog in Foča.
Upon completing his studies, and with the same episcopal blessing, he married Bojana Lončar.
Ordination and First Parish Assignment
On the feast of Prophet Elijah, August 2, 2013, Father Mladen was ordained a deacon by the then Bishop Mitrofan of Eastern America.
Seven days later, during the Divine Liturgy, he was ordained a priest and appointed by the Bishop as parish priest of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Youngstown, Ohio, where he served until August 2014.
Ministry in Europe
In 2015, Bishop Marko of the Russian Diaspora entrusted him with the Parish of Saint John of Shanghai in Belfast. Thanks to his dedication, the spiritual life of this parish flourished and continued to grow until June 2016.
In June of the same year, Bishop Dositej (Motika) of the British-Scandinavian Diocese appointed Father Mladen as a missionary in the newly established Parish of Saint George the Great Martyr in the Republic of Ireland.
During an episcopal visit to the parish in Dublin in March 2020, Bishop Dositej elevated him to the rank of Protopresbyter.
Mission in the Republic of Ireland
Since arriving in Ireland, Father Mladen has selflessly worked to build and organize the spiritual life of Serbs in the country. With great zeal, he gathers the faithful around the Church, regularly serves the Divine Liturgies in various parts of Ireland, and diligently maintains the Church of Saint George the Great Martyr in Dublin, which was formerly a Catholic church.
In addition to liturgical life, he organizes numerous cultural events that annually bring together an increasing number of Serbs from across Ireland, strengthening the spirit of community, Orthodox faith, and Serbian tradition.
Family
Father Mladen lives near Drogheda with his wife Bojana and their three children — Andrea, Vasilije, and Angela.
His selfless efforts, love, and dedication to the spiritual life of Serbs in Ireland are a blessing and joy for all parishioners.
