SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH ARCHBISHOPS AT A RECEPTION AT THE WHITE PALACE

Belgrade, 19 May 2005 - On the occasion of the regular annual session of the Holy Assembly of the Serbian Orthodox Church, TRH Crown Prince Alexander II hosted a reception at The White Palace for members of the Holy Assembly.

The reception was attended by His Holiness the Patriarch of Serbia Pavle, HE Milan Radulovic, the Minister of Religion in the Government of Serbian, Prof. Dr. Vojislav Milovanovic, arch-builder of Saint Sava Church in Vracar, as well as members of the Advisory Bodies of The Crown.

HRH Crown Prince Alexander II greeted the present and emphasized in his addressing:

“I know that you are, as people of peace and goodwill, concerned about everything that happens to us, and endangers our existence, our sanctities and our survival. We now need, more than ever, to conscientiously, responsibly, reasonably and spiritedly weigh out our frontiers, be they state, national or human ones. I have followed with much attention the reports about discussions of the delegation of our church in America, and with understanding the great dilemmas and infinite temptations that are in front of us from day to day. I receive daily the news about the efforts of our state power to protect our people in Kosovo and Metohia and in other parts of the country where the centuries-long survival of people is jeopardized and where the democratic principles of justice and righteousness are violated and ridiculed.

I hope, as a Karadjordjevic, Serbian and Christian that all these efforts will lead to results on which we would be able to be proud of and that God’s mercy and our faith and wisdom will save us from misery, insanity and sinning.

Your Holiness, Arch-Bishops, in the days when we are illuminated by the great light of Christ’s Resurrection, the victory of life over death, and good over evil, let our prayers supply the Lord’s mercy and salvation for us and for all other peoples, let that help us to be more humane and not to be ashamed of ourselves, of those who gave birth to us, and those who we gave birth to. “

Thanking His Royal Highness for his hospitality, His Holiness Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church Pavle wished happiness for the Royal Home, and peace, justice and salvation to all people of good will, to all friends and enemies. His Holiness the Patriarch called on all our brothers and sisters who have fled from Kosovo and Metohija to return to their homes, so that we may preserve the unity of our homeland and survive as God’s people.

“So as not to lose our honor and to proudly stand before our forefathers and the greatest and fairest judge – the Lord” – said the Patriarch in his addressing.