HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER II VISITS CHILANDAR MONASTERY

Belgrade, 6 March 2004 - HRH Crown Prince Alexander II visited today Chilandar Monastery that was recently damaged by the big fire.

Immediately upon finding out about the disastrous fire, which has caused great damage to the medieval Serbian Imperial Monastery on Mount Athos, Greece, deeply affected by the news of the accident, the Crown Prince set off from London to Chilandar. Despite the bad weather conditions, HRH Crown Prince Alexander II arrived to the Monastery where he was welcomed by the brethren with bells tolling.

The Crown Prince went to see the ruined parts of the Monastery compound and talk to the to the brethren and on the spot witness the size of the damage caused by the blaze.

Addressing the Brother Superior and the monks, HRH Crown Prince Alexander II said:

"Reverend brethren of Chilandar,

It was with horror that I received the news of the terrible accident that happened to you here and to all of us Serbs and orthodox Christians to whom Chilandar has always been light in darkness, light in faith and in hope.

That is why I have hurried to see for myself the size of the damage and to offer my help, so that this loss could be made less unbearable.

Holy Mother of God, your patron, has protected what is most valuable and what can never been restored, but what has happened is a great warning and an alarm that our awakeness has weakened and our vigilance has lessened.

I am aware that you do not need words at this moment, but tangible help, both material and spiritual.

It is nevertheless comforting that in this accident no one of the brethren has perished, for the treasure of Chilandar has never been what is in the books and on the walls, but above all, the god’s temple that each Chilandar monk has in his heart and soul.

God has blessed us with Chilandar, and if we are worthy, through Chilandar and in Chilandar, he will rebuild us" - emphasized the Crown Prince.