SAINT ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED – PATRON SAINT OF THE ROYAL HOUSE OF KARADJORDJEVIC

Belgrade, 13 December 2003 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine celebrated the Day of Saint Andrew the First Called, the Patron Saint of The Royal House of Karadjordjevic.

His Holiness the Serbian Patriarch Pavle celebrated the Holy Liturgy at The Royal Chapel this morning, and then the ceremony of cutting the “slava” cake took place in the Blue room of the Royal Palace. Beside Their Royal Highnesses the ceremony was attended by TRH Princess Linda and Princes George and Michael, His Eminence Amfilohije the Metropolitan of Montenegro, His Eminence Nikolaj Metropolitan of Dabar and Bosnia, Their Graces Bishops Lavrentije of Sabac and Valjevo, Vasilije of Tuzla and Zvornik, Vasilije of Srem, Hrizostom of Zica, Artemije of Raska and Prizren, Ignjatije of Branicevo, Irinej of Backa, Grigorije of Zahumlje and Herzegovina, as well as the representatives of the Roman Catholic Church Reverend Anton Rojc, Islamic community Melvud Effendi Dudic, HE Bishop of the Reformist Church Istvan Cete Semesi, HE Minister of Religion Prof. Vojislav Milovanovic and the members of the advisory bodies of the Crown with their families.

Addressing the present, His Holiness said:

“Our people do not celebrate birthdays or name days as much as they celebrate Saint Patron day. Saint Patron Day is greater than birthdays or any other holidays for a family, for it is the day when families received Christianity.

God grant peace to the Royal Family and the entire Serbian nation, peace that is so much needed to this people and this country.”

On 29 November His Holiness Pavle sent, on behalf of the Holly Synod of Serbian Orthodox Church a letter of support to HRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy appealing to those who are in charge to declare null and void the decision on abolishing monarchy, because it was “the result of tyranny”. His Holiness also appealed for “normal premises for the recovery of our society and our state, as well as the conditions for the rule of law and final victory of justice”.

After cutting the cake, there was lunch for the distinguished guests.

During the day, two “slava” receptions were organized at The White Palace in Dedinje, with Their Royal Highnesses as hosts to the representatives of the Government, diplomatic corps, local and international NGOs, cultural institutions, media and health institutions, grantees of the Fund of The Royal House of Karadjordjevic and numerous cultural, political and public figures of Serbia.