Podgorica: Cathedral Church, a place of forgiveness and reconciliation

The Cathedral Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Podgorica is a place of forgiveness and reconciliation and in this way the best contribution of Montenegro to the celebration of the jubilee of the Edict of Milan, from which the principle of religious freedom  was derived and proclaimed around the world, as it was emphasized at the spiritual academy in Podgorica last night. 

The spiritual academy was attended by primates of the Orthodox Churches led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, church dignitaries, representatives of other Christian Churches and traditional religious communities and members of the Honorary Board of celebration led by President of Montenegro Mr. Filip Vujanovic. His Eminence Amfilohije, Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral pointed out in solemn speech that the Cathedral church of the Resurrection of Christ, which construction had begun two decades ago, represented a call for forgiveness and reconciliation in Montenegro. 

Ecumenical Patriarch and other Orthodox primates arrive in Montenegro

His All-Holiness Archbishop of Constantinple, New Rome Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and other Orthodox primates, participants of the celebration of the 17 centuries of the Edict of Milan and the ceremony of consecration of the Cathedral Church in Podgorica, came last night with the special plane of "Montenegro Airlines" to Montenegro.

With the same plane the holy relics, hand of Saint John the Baptist and particle of Precious Cross of the Lord, came, which will be today venerated all day during the consecration of Podgorica's Cathedral church. Metropolitan Amfilohije with the clergy of the Metropolitanate and ambassadors of Serbia, Turkey and Greece in Podgorica welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch and other Orthodox primates, representatives of other Christian churches and traditional religious communities. 

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia arrives in Montenegro

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia arrived in Podgorica by special plane from Nis to the celebration of the 17 centuries of the Edict of Milan and the consecration of the Cathedral church of the Resurrection of Christ in Podgorica. 

His Eminence Amfilohije, Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral; Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk and other members of the Patriarch's delegation came to Podgorica along with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. 

About 5000 citizens of Nis formed a glowing cross

More than 5000 people gathered last nigh in Nis where, with lighted candles in their hands, formed a giant glowing cross within the action "I am also part of the cross", which is organized as the part of the commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan. 

The people gathered in  front of the church of Sts. Emperor Constantine and Empress Helen, on the corner of Nemanjic blvd. and Sremska street. The Serbian Orthodox Church and the Municipality of Mediana of the City of Nis organized this gathering. 

President Tomislav Nikolic: Orthodoxy in Kosovo and Metohija in ordeal

While delivering the toast to patriarchs and high dignitaries of Christian Churches, said that in Kosovo and Metohija the time was returned in the period before the Edict of Milan, which granted the freedom of faith to Christians, and that Orthodox Christianity survived days of an ordeal. 

Nikolic, in his address to guests of the central celebration of the 17 centuries of the Edict of Milan, pointed out that with this document  the system of  values was established, which since its  adoption until the end of the world applies to every Christian,and also to every man being regardless of religion, because there is nothing more sublime than accepting diversity, philosophy of tolerance, and understanding  that the human communities can live in prosperity only if they accept and respect each other.

Audience with His Holiness Serbian Patriarch