Brother of Serbian woman's favorite becomes a monk at just 22 years old: 'I miss him often'

A Serbian monk who became a priest at just 22 years old has become a close confidant to his younger brother, actor Miloš Biković, despite their vastly different lives. Mihailo, now 54, has served as an abbot at the monastery of St. John near Valjevo and regularly visits his brother, who resides nearby in a house he purchased. Their bond, though shaped by years apart, remains deeply rooted in family ties and shared history. Born into a family marked by frequent marital upheaval, Mihailo grew up amid the emotional turbulence of his parents' two marriages and two divorces. He recalls being separated from his siblings during their early years, once at age five and again at 16, while his younger brother Miloš was still an infant. This instability, coupled with frequent moves between homes, left a lasting impression on him. It was during this time that he began seeking stability and meaning, eventually leading to his decision to enter religious life. At just 22, Mihailo took monastic vows, choosing a path of devotion and service that would define his adult life. Today, he holds the position of abbot at the monastery of St. John near Valjevo and continues to maintain a close relationship with his brother. Miloš, known for his acting career and personal life, often visits the monastery, and their interactions remain deeply personal. Despite their contrasting public roles, one as a respected actor, the other as a spiritual leader, their connection remains grounded in familial loyalty. Their dynamic is one of mutual respect and understanding. Miloš has described how Mihailo’s insights carry weight, particularly during moments of reflection. One piece of advice that resonates with him is the notion that success brings new responsibilities. When Miloš's fame grew beyond his expectations, Mihailo reminded him: “Now you are not just important to yourself. Now you have become a symbol.” This lesson, among others, has stayed with Miloš throughout his career. The brothers’ relationship has been influenced by their upbringing. Miloš has spoken openly about the impact of his parents’ volatile marriage on his views of relationships. He describes their love as genuine but difficult to sustain, noting that they learned through hardship that shared life requires effort, sacrifice, and compromise. These lessons have shaped both men’s approaches to personal and professional life. Mihailo’s journey toward faith was also influenced by key experiences. In 1990, during a visit to Trieste, he entered a church seeking refuge from the heat. What followed was a profound moment of peace and revelation, one that led him back to the monastery. Since then, he has dedicated himself fully to his calling, finding in religion a sense of purpose that eluded him earlier in life. Despite the distance between them, Mihailo admits that Miloš’s absence weighs heavily on him. The nature of Miloš’s work, often requiring long absences due to filming or travel, means they rarely see each other. Yet, their bond remains strong. During the premiere of Miloš’s film Led in 2018, Mihailo attended and expressed that his brother was his harshest critic. He noted that Miloš never softened his praise, which made any approval he received even more meaningful. Both men continue to reflect on their past and how their lives have diverged. While Mihailo finds fulfillment in his spiritual mission, Miloš embraces the challenges of his profession. They remain connected through shared memories and values, even as they walk separate paths. Their story is one of resilience, family, and the enduring power of sibling bonds.