The 16th Orthodox Inter-Parliamentary General Assembly

At the House of the National Assembly on June 24, 2009 the 16th Orthodox Inter-Parliamentary General Assembly was opened with a formal session. It is being held in Belgrade from June 24 – 28, 2009 and its host is the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.

Assembly Chairman and the member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Sergei Popov, who pointed out that this conference is a chance to be heard a voice of Orthodoxy and the voice of all Christians. Popov also announced that the General Assembly will consider a response to the world economic crisis from the point of view of Christianity, as well as focus on the status of the orthodox people in Kosovo and Metohija, stressing that the forthcoming celebration of the 620th annual of the Battle of Kosovo, on June 28th.

His Grace Bishop Dr Irinej of Bachka read the message of His Holiness Ecumenical patriarch Bartholomew during the formal session, which can be read on the website of the Serbian Orthodox Church. His Grace also conveyed the blessings of His Holiness Patriarch Pavle of Serbia and his deputy His Eminence Bishop Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral, and Bishops of the Holy Synod of Bishops.

A working part of the Orthodox Inter-Parliamentary General Assembly is being held on June 25 and 26, 2009 at the Palace of Serbia, and the main theme of this year`s 16th General Assembly is “The World economic crisis and its influence on social, spiritual and cultural European tradition- the role of Orthodoxy”.