In Moscow President Vučić awards Serbia's highest order to Patriarch Kirill
President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church. Photo: foto.patriarchia.ru
On May 8, 2025, the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, awarded Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia the country's highest state award—the Order of the Republic of Serbia of the First Degree on the Grand Collar. According to the patriarchia.ru website, the award ceremony took place at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence at the Danilov Monastery in Moscow.
Aleksandar Vučić noted that on behalf of all of Serbia, he thanked Patriarch Kirill for his "exceptional contribution to the development and strengthening of friendly relations between our brotherly Slavic countries and Orthodox peoples."
He assured that the Patriarch is valued in Serbia as "an authoritative, wise spiritual leader, who defends spiritual Christian values and the unity of Orthodox nations".
"We appreciate you as a true friend of Serbia, who raises his voice in defence of its sanctities, the protection of the peaceful population of Kosovo and Metohija," he added. "People pray for you in our Serbian churches in Kosovo, and in Belgrade in the beautiful Saint Sava Cathedral, which shines with its beauty thanks to the invaluable help of Russia."
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia assured that this award is "more than just a recognition" for him.
He believes that "the Serbian people and the Russian people are connected by their history, their common struggle, and their shared faith. Our countries have never fought against each other, never betrayed one another—this is a remarkable, unique case when speaking about the entire European context."
As reported by the UOJ, the Patriarchs of Moscow and Serbia concelebrated at the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
Read also
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.