ISAIJA ANTONOVIĆ, BISHOP OF ARAD AND METROPOLITAN OF KARLOVCI (1731-1749)

Abstract

Isaija Antonović (Jovan in secular life), belonged to a family of prominent merchants and craftsmen who had moved from Novi Pazar to Buda with Patriarch Arsenije III Crnojević. The family’s financial standing and the cultural and political influence of the Serb community at Buda undoubtedly influenced Isaija’s choice to take vows and pursue the teaching profession. The widower became a monk and slowly ascended the rungs of the Karlovci Metropolitanate to the rank of bishop and metropolitan. He demonstrated great zeal for the defence of Orthodoxy, the Serbian people and the rights conferred on them by the Privilegium, while also showing a tendency to launch unnecessary attacks and engage in squabbles with other bishops and the patriarchate — no matter how much damage such infighting might cause the church or the people. The actions of Isaija Antonović can thus serve as a paradigm for the development of the Karlovci church government between 1731 and 1749. This work details his rise from priest to metropolitan, with attention to both positive and negative actions throughout.