“The reason for the postponement is the lack of time for an adequate organization and logistical preparation of this significant spiritual event, and the need for important guests from the country and the world to be able to accept the invitations and not refrain from attending because of short notice,” according to a statement on the SPC’s officials website.

Irinej was supposed to be enthroned on April 25 at the Peć Patriarchy in Metohija, western Kosovo.

He was elected the new leader of the SPC on January 22 and was enthroned a day later in Belgrade.