Metropolitan Amfilohije posthumously awarded Montenegro’s highest honor

Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radović) of Montenegro and the Littoral. Photo: en.vijesti

On October 19, 2025, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović announced his decision to posthumously award Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radović) of Montenegro and the Littoral with the Order of Montenegro – the country’s highest state honor, Vijesti.me reports.

The award coincides with the fifth anniversary of the hierarch’s repose. Metropolitan Amfilohije led the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral for nearly three decades. “Metropolitan Amfilohije left an indelible mark on the spiritual and social life of Montenegro,” President Milatović stated, noting that his work strengthened the Church, preserved national traditions, and enhanced the country’s international standing.

The head of state also recalled that Metropolitan Amfilohije played a significant role in maintaining peace during the 2006 independence referendum and led massive religious processions in protest against the law that threatened church property and sacred sites. These processions, the president emphasized, “became a symbol of peaceful civic resistance and contributed to democratic change in the country.”

The Order of Montenegro is the nation’s highest distinction, awarded for outstanding service to society and the nation. President Milatović stressed that by this decision, the country expresses its gratitude for “Metropolitan Amfilohije’s contribution to the preservation of spiritual traditions and the building of social harmony during the most challenging periods in Montenegro’s history.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Joanikije called for prayers for peace and an end to fratricide.

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