Ecclesiastical life of the Serbs in Szentendre in the writings of Jakov Ignjatovic
Milesa Stefanovic-BanovicIn this paper, we examine the ecclesiastical life of the Serbs in Szentendre in the mid-19th century on the basis of the literary work of Jakov Ignjatovic. We consider how his descriptions of church services, religious holidays, celebrations, funerals, and personal devotional practices illustrate the social changes of the period. Among the most prominent motifs in Ignjatovic’s writings is the contrast between the “old“ and the “new“ Szentendre. His critique of emerging social phenomena and patterns manifested in church life offers insight into the transformation of traditional customs and the system of values. The paper demonstrates how his work can be regarded as a relevant and significant source for studying the life of the Serbs in Szentendre at that time.