The Svetosava Academy was held at the Macedonian National Theater in Skopje, drawing attendees from the highest ranks of Northern Macedonia, Serbia, Republika Srpska, and Montenegro.

At this holy event, the Minister of Culture of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, was presented with a “Svetosavi Charter,” honoring the Serbian community.

The ceremony began with the national anthems of Serbia and Northern Macedonia, and was officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia and Minister of Relations with Communities, Ivan Stoilković.

“I honestly believed our previous visit with the President of the Republic was the last one and that nothing could surpass it, but I am pleasantly surprised that it can indeed get better, especially with the presence of Patriarch Porfirije. I am filled with joy and satisfaction for the continued support we’ve received over all 18 years of these gatherings,” said Stoilkovic.

In his address, Stoilkovic served as an envoy for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and conveyed messages urging a continuation of policies fostering peace and stability, which are vital for Serbia and the entire region.

He emphasized that the attendance of such distinguished individuals from Serbia, Northern Macedonia, Republika Srpska, and Montenegro underscores the significance of this event.

Patriarch Porfirije addressed the gathering, expressing that this day holds great importance for all attendees.

“We are here to reaffirm the truly wonderful, incomprehensible, and blessed paths set forth by the Lord. Our generation is indeed blessed, as we gather in this glorious and imperial Skopje to celebrate the 850th anniversary of the birth of Saint Sava, the first head of the Serbian Orthodox Church,” said Patriarch Porfirije.

“As we honor Saint Sava, we aspire to foster relationships and friendship in the spirit of his example,” Porfirije added.

In his speech, the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandic, highlighted that messages of peace and communion emerged from this ceremony, and that this is the path we must follow.

“While we celebrate this occasion, let’s remind ourselves of our greatest strength in spirituality; the legacy of Saint Sava teaches us that we can overcome any challenge,” Mandic stated.

The President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, remarked that this central celebration is vital for Serbs, noting that without Saint Sava, their identity would have been lost long ago. He expressed, “Through the spirit of Saint Sava, we found ways to rise and reclaim our values. We wish to live peacefully alongside the Macedonian people, and we are grateful to the Macedonian state for the freedom that enables this dialogue. We hope to see this replicated in other countries.”

Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia, Christian Mickovski, stated that today’s gathering commemorates the Day of St. Sava, a holiday of greater significance than just a calendar date.

“This day unites the hearts of all who recognize the importance of spirituality, education, and humanity. Saint Sava represents not only the Serbian people but also shared values of peace, love, and common aspirations,” Mickovski remarked.

He emphasized that when discussing the spiritual and cultural symbols of our peoples, it is essential to acknowledge the parallel significance of two outstanding figures: Saint Clement of Ohrid for Macedonia and Saint Sava for Serbia.

“They are the cornerstones of our national identities and legacies that serve as the foundation for education, spirituality, and cultural dialogue. Saint Clement of Ohrid, a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius, established the basis of Macedonian literacy and spirituality, creating one of history’s most important institutions, the Ohrid Literary School, which was a center for Slavic literacy. Meanwhile, Saint Sava laid the foundations of the Serbian Orthodox Church and was pivotal in enhancing Serbian national and spiritual identity,” Mickovski explained.

While awarding the Svetosava Charter, Minister Selaković underscored the significance of Serbian-Macedonian relations, emphasizing that his door is always open for dialogue.

“It is an immense honor to receive this recognition tonight; I must admit it fills me with uncontainable joy. However, I am also moved, as delivering this speech in front of a patriarch, in Serbian, in Stari Ohrid, and in the company of such distinguished officials from Northern Macedonia, Serbia, Republika Srpska, and Montenegro, evokes powerful emotions within me every time I mention the name of Saint Sava,” Minister Selaković expressed.

Minister Selaković dedicated his remarks to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who was instrumental in supporting him for his ministerial role.

The Academy featured performances from the First Belgrade Singing Society, which dates back to 1853, along with the artistic ensemble of the Serbian Defense “Stanislav Binički.”

(Telegraph.rs/tanjug)