Christmas Visit of President Vucic to Chilandar Monastery

President of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Aleksandar Vucic, paid a visit to the Chilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, during the Christmas holidays. This was the first official visit of a Serbian president to this Holy Royal Serbian Laura in the past two decades.

President Vucic attended the Christmas Liturgy, after which he said: - Serbia is facing a difficult year and many temptations, and only together and united we can preserve our national interests and make Serbia stronger and more successful. It is wonderful to be a guest of Chilandar and its brotherhood at Christmas, the happiest Orthodox feast day. I have learned a lot and have seen a lot, but I also have gained reinforcement and special strength to fight for our Serbia - for the Serbia that is to be more successful, even stronger, and capable to protect our national interests.

- National, state and spiritual unity of the Serbian people have been sublimated In the Chilandar monastery, and we need to preserve and fight for people's health in the years ahead. Iam very grateful to Abbot Metodije and all the monks for the magnificent reception. I believe in the strength of Serbia, in the victory of Serbia, and I am convinced that together and united we can do much more than we have done so far. Long live Serbia, Christ is born! - said President Vučić.

The President made an insight into all the reconstruction works of the Chilandar Monastery, which was severely damaged in a  fire in the night between March 3 and 4, 2004. The President pointed out that the state would accelerate the reconstruction of the monastery and help it in every possible way. - I believe that there will be no cranes in two years, that everything will be completed and that we will be able to tell everyone that, apart from being the most important monastery for us, it is one of the few most beautiful and powerful monasteries in the world, said the President of Serbia.

Source: predsednik.rs