THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES VISIT KOSOVO AND METOHIJA

Belgrade, 28 June 2007 - Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine accompanied by Mr. Dusan Babac, member of the Privy Council, visited Kosovo today to mark St. Vitus Day. They visited Gracanica Monastery and Gazimestan and delivered a truck load of humanitarian aid.

Their Royal Highnesses attended the St. Vitus Day Liturgy served by His Grace Bishop Artemije of Raska and Prizren at the Gracanica Monastery.

The Holy Liturgy at the Gracanica Monastery, the legacy of Serbian medieval King Milutin, was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro, His Grace Bishop Teodosije of Lipljan, and Government officials Mr. Samardzic Minister for Kosovo and Metohija, and Mr. Naumov Minister of Religion of Serbia. Many Serbian citizens from Kosovo came to participate in marking this special day.

After the Liturgy, Their Royal Highnesses visited 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 Grace Bishop Artemije of Raska and Prizren greeted everyone and announced His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II.

Greeting the dignitaries and the people, Crown Prince Alexander said: “Here we are again at Gazimestan. For us, this is a holy place and will always remain so. All of us, including my sons and my wife, are a part of this country. We are here because we know who we are, and to demonstrate that this is our country, to show that our ancestors are living with us and that they will always live with us. This is where our cradle is, our homes, our churches, our people. This is where our past is. But, I want to say that this is also where our present is. And this is where we should build our future. I know that it seems very difficult, but I believe that it is not impossible. I am also sure that you believe in our future in Kosovo and Metohija”.

The Crown Prince congratulated St. Vitus Day, a very important religious and national holiday of the Serbian people worldwide, marking the remembrance of the fallen Serbian heroes at Kosovo. Crown Prince Alexander then laid a laurel wreath at the Gazimestan monument.

Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine then returned to the Gracanica monastery. Crown Princess Katherine presented to His Grace Bishop Artemije a Red Cross truck filled with aid, courtesy of the Foundation of Princess Katherine. The aid consisted of 10 tons of food (cooking oil, flour, sugar, salt) and shoes. Princess Katherine showed once again that she has not forgotten the people of Kosovo and Metohija.

In her speech, she said: “I am very happy that I am today once again at Gracanica monastery with my husband on this holy day, and that we have the opportunity to deliver the much needed aid. I know that you live in very difficult conditions and that every help is precious and necessary. I hope this aid will help the people living in the distant enclaves in Kosovo. My Foundation in Belgrade and its branch offices worldwide are doing the best they can to collect as much aid as possible, which means a lot to you and your children. The thoughts of my family are always with you, and what we want for you from the bottom of our heart is to be persistant in your intention to stay here and live in your centuries-old homes“. Crown Princess Katherine concluded her speech by wishing everyone the best in every aspect, health, peace, and prosperity.

His Grace Bishop Artemije then handed out the “Majka Jugovica” awards to Serbian mothers who have more than 4 children. Their Royal Highnesses also congratulated these women.

A special lunch was prepared at the Gracanica monastery for the guests. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander delivered a short speech, in which he said: “We are happy to have the opportunity to be here at the holy Gracanica Monastery. It has seen so much and remembered so much. My wife and I are not guests here. We know and respect what you do, and your determination to fight against hardship“. The Crown Prince told them to be brave and have faith. “As long as you are here, the Serbian word and the truth shall not cease to exist in this area“.

The Crown Prince delivered a gift to the Gracanica monastery – a silver censer.

This concluded the visit of Their Royal Highnesses to Kosovo and Metohija. With hearts full of emotion, Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine returned to Belgrade, touched by the reception and above all by the determination of the Serbian people to stay here and survive.