CELEBRATION OF PATRON SAINT DAY OF THE ROYAL FAMILY SAINT ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED

Belgrade, 13 December 2009 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Philip, Prince Vladimir, Princess Brigitta, Prince Dimitri, Princess Lavinia and husband, Mr. Austin Pritchard, sons Luca and Andrej, and Sir Desmond De Silva, celebrated today The Royal Family’s Patron Saint Day – Saint Andrew the First Called in the Royal Palace in Belgrade.

In the morning, with the blessing of The Holy Synod, the Divine Liturgy was served in The Royal Chapel of Saint Andrew the First Called by His Grace Bishop of Sumadija Jovan and His Grace Bishop Atanasije of Hvostano accompanied by the clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The ceremony of cutting of Slava cake followed in the Blue Room of The Royal Palace.

Besides The Royal Family the Slava ceremony was attended by Their Graces: Bishop of Branicevo Ignjatije, Bishop Artemije of Ras and Prizren, Bishop Lavrentije of Sabac, Bishop Irinej of Backa, Bishop Justin of Timok, Bishop Lukijan of Osijek and Baranja, Bishop Nikanor of Banat, Bishop Porfirije of Jegar, H.E. The Minister of Religion Prof. Dr. Bogoljub Sijakovic, religious leaders of other religious communities in Serbia – Mr. Mustafa ef. Jusufspahic, the Chief Imam of Nis, the Rabbi of the Jewish Community in Serbia Mr. Isak Asiel, H.E. Monsignor Orlando Antonini, the Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. Monsignor Stanislav Hocevar, the Roman Catholic Metropolitan and Archbishop of Belgrade, Reverend Leopold Rohmes, the Vicar of Belgrade Bishopric, His Grace Dr Ladislav Nemet, Bishop of Zrenjanin, His Grace Mr. Janos Penzes, Bishop of Subotica.

The Holy Liturgy and Slava lunch were also attended by members of the Privy Council, Mr. Dragomir Acovic and Mr. Dusan Babac, members of the Crown Council, Mr. Matija Beckovic, Prof. Dr. Miroslav Gasic, Mr. Dusan Kovacevic, Mr. Predrag Markovic, Prof. Dr. Predrag Palavestra, Dr. Milan Parivodic, Mrs. Svetlana Velmar-Jankovic and members of the Crown Cabinet Mr. Cedomir Antic, Prof. Dr. Kosta Cavoski, Mr. Djordje Djurisic, Mr. Vladimir Gajic, Mr. Milorad Savicevic, Mr. Vladan Vukosavljevic and Mr. Vladan Zivulovic.

During the Slava lunch after the ceremony, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander addressed the distinguished guests and friends emphasizing: “As the Saint Andrew the First Called endured many calamities, but remained sound in his faith, I call for all of us to stay firm to our faith and our efforts for the well being of our nation and our country. I thank the Lord for all his gifts, for good health, for our friends and associates, for His blessing that we received and for those we are still praying for. Thank you for being here with us today, and I wish you all to experience peace and prosperity both on this day, and in times ahead of us.”

Following the celebration of St. Patrons Day, St. Andrew the First Called, two Slava receptions will take place at The White Palace in the afternoon and evening. Their Royal Highnesses will welcome: representatives of the Government, Diplomatic Corps, members of the Privy Council, Crown Council, Crown Cabinet, as well city and town Mayors, academics, representatives of the Armed Forces, Gendarmerie, monarchy clubs, international organizations, Rotary Clubs, cultural institutions, sports associations, the media, health institutions, and numerous distinguished persons from the cultural, political, business, academic and public life of Serbia.