The solemn act of canonization of the Holy Hieromartyr Michael (Barbić), Parish Priest of Krtolj, will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in the Church of St. Nicholas in Kotor at the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy, which will be celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop of Cetinje, Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Mr. Joanikije, with several hierarchs, clergy, monks and faithful.

Previously, on Friday, January 23, the last memorial service for the Hieromartyr Mihailo Barbić (1899-1945) will be held in the Church of Saint Sava in Tivat, whose name was included in the diptych of the Saints at last year's regular May session of the Holy Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church - on the 80th anniversary of his suffering.

Published by the Publishing and Information Institution of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral "Svetigora", the book "Hieromartyr Mihailo Barbić - Life and Connections" was published last year, in which the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Joanikije wrote in the introductory letter: This wonderful offshoot of the Boka and Prevlaka shrine proved to be an exemplary priest in every place where he served and left an exceptional mark (Morinj, Krtoli, Podgorica). His image shone in full glory at the end of his life, in his martyrdom. His courageous demeanor before the godless executioners was like that of the ancient Christian martyrs: “The martyr does not look at the dangers, but at the garlands. He is not afraid of wounds, but counts the rewards. He does not see the executioners who are whipping here, but raises his gaze to the angels who greet from above. He does not have in mind the short-term danger, but the eternal reward (St. Basil the Great, Sermon on the Memory of the Martyr Barlaam)”. The Hieromartyr Michael was arrested by the then communist authorities and thrown into the Kotor prison, where he was cruelly tortured and finally, in the justice of God, killed.

Metropolis of Montenegro and the Littoral