Old Catholic Bishop Hans Gerny Dies, Known for Inter-Church Dialogue and Support for Serbian Community

Bishop Hans Gerny, a prominent figure in the Old Catholic Church, has passed away and is now in the Lord. Known for his dedication and service, he remained actively engaged in church and public life even after his retirement. His theological education took place in Bern, Oxford, and Paris, and prior to his episcopal appointment, he served as a parish priest in various locations. As secretary of the International Bishops’ Conference of the Old Catholic Church, he was deeply involved in inter-Christian dialogue, particularly striving for closer ties with the Orthodox Church.

Bishop Gerny played a significant role in the early development of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Switzerland. He supported the first parish priest, Drasko Todorovic, in establishing important connections with influential social and public figures. These connections were instrumental in aiding the victims of the civil wars in the former Yugoslavia. His efforts reflected a commitment to humanitarian causes and the well-being of his community.

Throughout his career, Bishop Gerny maintained regular contact with high-ranking representatives of the Serbian Patriarchate and several notable bishops. Among them was Bishop Sava of Sumadija, who had once studied in Bern alongside Bishop Gerny. The relationship between Old Catholics and Orthodox Serbs was further symbolized by the installation of a memorial plaque honoring Holy Bishop Nikolaj Velimirovic at the Old Catholic Cathedral in Bern in 2008. This plaque, placed on the cathedral wall, recognized Velimirovic’s doctorate from the Old Catholic Faculty in Bern a century earlier. Bishop Lavrentije, a representative from Serbia, attended the ceremony and expressed deep gratitude by laying his panagia on Bishop Gerny’s chest.

Bishop Gerny’s care extended to Serbian students studying at the Old Catholic Faculty of the University of Bern. The writer of the source recalls staying in a student house provided by the Old Catholic Church during their studies from 2006 to 2010. Even after retirement, Bishop Gerny continued to welcome Orthodox students to annual agape feasts at his home in Bern. His hospitality and generosity left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Bishop Hans Gerny will be remembered for his good deeds, nobility, and modesty. His life exemplifies the biblical call to justice, mercy, and humble service, as found in Micah 6:8. May the Lord grant him the Kingdom of Heaven.

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