Communique

The Serbian Orthodox Church, as the host and the owner of one great orthodox sanctuary, a monastery of St. Prohor Pcinjski, decided, on behalf of regional Diocese of Vranje as well as on behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops and on the suggestion of His Grace Bishop Irinej of Bachka, the member of the Holy Synod and the official representative of the Diocese of Vranje regarding the issue of the celebration of the feast of the Holy Prophet Elijah (Ilindan) at the monastery of St. Prohor Pcinjski - to honestly, warmly, brotherly, without any hidden thoughts, provide hospitality and more than that, brotherly reception for the high delegation of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia on the 65th anniversary of ASNOM on the the feast of the Holy Prophet Elijah of this year.

That delegation will be welcomed by the competent bishop, Diocese hierarch, His Grace Bishop Pahomije of Vranje, and then also by His Grace Bishop Irinej of Bachka, the envoy of His Holiness Patriarch Pavle of Serbia, the Patriarch's deputy His Eminence Metropolitan Dr Amfilohije and the Holy Synod of Bishops.

All other or different stories are either not meritorious or are speculations of the uninformed. First of all, it is not true that the high state delegation from Skopje is coming on the bases of the arrangement with the state officials of Serbia. They come only and thanks to the decision, good will and love of the Serbian Orthodox Church. On the other hand, the Republic of Serbia acknowledges freedom and inherency of the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as the religious freedom in general and the Serbian Orthodox Church honestly appreciates discernment and the full democratic attitude of the Serbian state in matters of faith and conscience.

Bishop Dr Irinej of Bachka