ROYAL FAMILY VISITS KOSOVO AND METOHIJA ON ST. VITUS DAY

Belgrade, 28 June 2011 - Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine accompanied by Mr. Vladan Zivulovic and Dr Cedomir Antic, members of the Crown Cabinet, visited Kosovo and Metohija today to mark St. Vitus Day. They visited first Gracanica Monastery and attended the Holy Liturgy. Their Royal Highnesses then went to a commemoration ceremony at Gazimestan. The Royal Couple also delivered humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable citizens of Serbian enclaves in Kosovo and Metohija.

Their Royal Highnesses attended the St. Vitus Day Liturgy served by His Holiness Patriarch of Serbia Irinej, His Grace Bishop Teodosije of Raska and Prizren, His Grace Bishop Pahomije of Vranje, and clergy of Gracanica Monastery.

The Holy liturgy at Gracanica Monastery, the legacy of Serbian medieval King Milutin, was also attended by H.E. Mr Goran Bogdanovic, Minister for Kosovo and Metohija, Dr Oliver Ivanovic and Mr. Zvonimir Stevic, State secretaries in the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija, Prof. Dr Zdravko Vitosevic, Rector of Pristina University in Kosovska Mitrovica and large number of citizens.

After the Liturgy, the Royal Couple delivered humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable citizens of Serbian enclaves in Kosovo and Metohija.

Their Royal Highnesses then went to Gazimestan, the place where the famous Battle of Kosovo took place in 1389.  A commemoration service was held for the fallen heroes of Kosovo. His Holiness Patriarch of Serbia Irinej addressed a great number of citizens present, while His Grace Bishop Teodosije of Raska and Prizren greeted everyone and announced His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander.