The President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski sent a letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in which, according to a relevant announcement from his Office, he urges the Ecumenical Patriarch to use the privileges and to equate the faithful Orthodox Christians of North Macedonia with the Orthodox Christians around the world.
“I am honored to address You and express my sincere wishes on the occasion of the beginning of the new ecclessiastical year. History has shown us that we must constantly adapt to the times and use them for the benefit of the people. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is an example of how one can remain consistent in values, but at the same time face the current challenges dynamically” wrote the President of North Macedonia in his letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch.
According to ANA-MPA, Stevo Pendarovski through his letter informs the Patriarch that his country has decided to use the last years to its advantage and to leave behind the historical disagreements and adds:
“I am addressing You on behalf of a large part of my fellow citizens, who identify themselves as Orthodox Christians and whose only desire and need is to reconcile with their fellow Christians and focus on a common future, coexistence and true freedom. In this regard, allow me to ask Your Holiness to appreciate the appeal of our people and our Church and to use Your privilege and offer our faithful Orthodox Christian citizens the opportunity to be equal to the Orthodox Christians in the whole world”.
It is noted that the Orthodox Church of North Macedonia seceded in 1967 from the Serbian Orthodox Church and proclaimed itself the “Macedonian Orthodox Church”, which is not recognized by any Orthodox Church in the world.