The Star of Karadjordje to Serbian Patriarch Irinej

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II decorated His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia with the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Star of Karadjordje. 

On the occasion of the Patron Saint Day of the Royal Family Karadjordjevic,   His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch, served on Friday, December 13th, the Divine Liturgy in the Royal Chapel of Saint Andrew the First Called.

Serbian Patriarch was concelebrate by  Their Graces Bishops Lavrentije of Sabac, Ignatije of Branicevo and Andrej of Remesiana, as well as clergy of the Archbishopric of Belgrade-Karlovac. The ceremony of the blessing of slava cake followed in the Blue Room of The Royal Palace, and was officiated by His Grace Bishop Lavrentije of Sabac.

After the ceremony, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II decorated His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia with the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Star of Karadjordje. 

“The Royal Order of the Star of Karadjordje has always been a sign of the exceptional ones and the pride of the chosen… The Crown of the Karadjordjevic’s and my home have no greater and more important award for those who bear the burden of responsibility for Serbian nation, preservation of its moral and historic identity, its institutions and its spirit. It is with great joy and pride that I present Your Holiness the insignia of the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Star of Karadjordje. I pray to the Lord to give you long life, good health and strength to bear this great responsibility not as a burden, but as a reward. I wish you all the luck. Axios!” said the Crown Prince.

Expressing his gratitude for this high honour, His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia has said: “Your Royal Highness, I really miss the right words to express what I feel at this moment. I receive this high Order as gesture of gratitude of the Royal Home, but not just to me, but to all my great predecessors as well, who led our Church and our nation through very difficult times. I personally take a great burden, but I will pay my debt if I manage to fulfil all my obligations that our church and our nation put in front of me. Let our Lord, who led our ancestors in the past, be with us today. Thank you!”

Source: royalfamily.org