PARTICIPANTS OF THE FIRST GATHERING OF SERBIAN CHOIRS OF THE DIASPORA AND THE HOMELAND “VIDOVDAN 2003” AT THE WHITE PALACE

Belgrade, 29 June 2003 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine organized a reception for the participants and organizers of the First Gathering of Serbian Choirs from the Diaspora and the Homeland “Vidovdan 2003” at The White Palace today.

Beside the members of over forty choirs (about 550 participants) from the country and abroad and the organizers of the Gathering, the reception was also attended by His Most Eminent Grace Metropolitan Amfilohije of Crna Gora and Primorje, His Grace Bishop Atanasije of Hvost, Minister of Religion Mr. Vojislav Milovanovic, Minister of Culture Mr. Branislav Lecic, Minister of Science and Development Mr. Dragan Domazet, representatives of the diplomatic corps, representatives of Serbian Orthodox Church and other churches, and the members of the advisory bodies of the Crown.

Crown Prince Alexander, the Patron of the Gathering, greeted the guests and said:

“It is a great honor for me to be the Patron of this Gathering, by which I continue the tradition started by my grandfather King Alexander. The Royal Family has always paid special attention to our spirituality for it is the bond between our past and our future. “

The Crown Prince invited all the participants from abroad to learn how our people live, to pass on their impressions and invite their friends to come.

After the Metropolitan Amfilohije blessed the Gathering, the Charter on Establishing the Association of Serbian Choirs was signed by Crown Prince Alexander II, Metropolitan Amfilohije as the representative of the Holy Synod, and the representative of all choirs.

The participants of the Gathering performed “God of Justice” and “The Hymn to Saint Sava”, to make this magnificent event even more beautiful.

This year’s Gathering of Serbian Choirs of the Diaspora and the Fatherland “Vidovdan 2003” was dedicated to the 150th anniversary of The First Singers’ Society, and it is going to become traditional.