Bishop
This great hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Christ was born in 1874 in Belgrade. At baptism, he was given the name Milivoje. He was raised in the home of his pious parents and graduated from the theological academy in Belgrade, and then in Moscow. While a student, he took monastic vows with the name Platon.
Monk Platon grew spiritually under the care of Archbishop Michael, the Metropolitan of Serbia. He held high positions in church and state education, demonstrating himself as a talented teacher and pastor. His patriotism was especially evident during the Balkan Wars and World War I, when he actively helped the poor and orphans.
In 1931, Archimandrite Platon was elected and consecrated as a vicar bishop of the Serbian Patriarch. He engaged in the struggle against the Concordat and actively informed the public about its harmfulness. In 1938, he became the diocesan hierarch of the Ohrid-Bitola Diocese, and at the end of 1939, he became the Bishop of the Banja Luka Diocese.
At the beginning of World War II, he realized the threat to the people and the Church. On the night of May 6, 1941, Ustaše executioners arrested the seriously ill bishop and brutally tortured him. His body was found and buried in the military cemetery in Banja Luka, and later transferred to the cathedral church.
The Holy Martyr remained faithful to God, Orthodoxy, and Serbia until the end. His suffering and courage inspire the faithful, and he is venerated as a saint.
