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Later in 1990, he enrolled the Faculty of Theology in Belgrade while working as a civil engineer with the Metropolitanate of Bitola. While employed by the [[metropolis]], he established its library in collaboration with the local University Library of Bitola, while serving also as the new library's first librarian. During his two and half years in this position the young Zoran gave a series of lectures.
In 1993, he left Bitola for Belgrade to continue his studies in theology, graduating in June 1995. Immediately, he began his master's studies at the Department of Systematic Theology (Dogmatics). At the end of 1995, he moved to Thessalonica in Greece to learn Greek and enroll for postgraduate studies. In [[Thessalonica]], he worked on his doctorate and a dissertation entitled: ''The Unity of the Church and the Contemporary Ecclesiological Problem''.
On [[February 7]], 1998, he took [[monasticism|monastic]] vows, was tonsured a [[monk]] with the name Jovan (John), and was [[ordination|ordained]] a [[deacon]]. The following day, [[February 8]], he was ordained to the [[priest]]hood, becoming a [[hieromonk]]. On [[July 19]], 1998, Fr. John was [[consecration of a bishop|consecrated]] a [[bishop]] with the title of Bishop of Dremvica and assigned as [[auxiliary bishop|vicar]] to the Bishop of Prespa and Pelagonia. In this position, and in addition to taking part in theological consultations, Bp. John led the effort for reconstruction of the Cathedral Church of St. Great Martyr Demetrius in Bitola. In March 2000, he was assigned as administrator of the Metropolitanate of Bregalnica. In November 2000, Bp. John was elected Bishop of Veles and Vardar Valley and enthroned on [[December 4]], 2000.
