The national holiday of Savindan, honoring Saint Sava, was celebrated with grandeur on January 27, 2025, at the National Theatre in Skopje, North Macedonia.
Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia blessed the gathering and, in his address, emphasized Saint Sava’s enduring legacy as a unifier and peacemaker. “Saint Sava brings us together today to continue his work and build a path of peace and understanding with all nations,” the Patriarch remarked. Highlighting Saint Sava’s personal commitment to self-improvement, he added, “He chose to better himself rather than demand everything around him to change while he remained the same. We too must strive to be better for the collective good.”
The keynote speech was delivered by Serbia’s Minister of Culture, Nikola Selaković, who was joined by other notable figures, including Ivan Stoilkovic, Minister for Community Relations of North Macedonia; Andrija Mandić, President of the Parliament of Montenegro; Milorad Dodik, President of the Republika Srpska; and Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia.
The event was graced by the presence of Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia, Metropolitan Petar of Prespa-Pelagonia and administrator of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese, as well as numerous dignitaries from Serbia, North Macedonia, Republika Srpska, and Montenegro. Many Serbian faithful from North Macedonia also attended the event.
The 18th annual Savindan Academy featured a captivating cultural program, including performances by the First Belgrade Singing Society, renowned drama artist Slobodan Ćustić, opera stars Ljubica Vraneš and Dragoljub Bajić from the National Theatre in Belgrade, and the Stanislav Binički Artistic Ensemble of the Serbian Ministry of Defense. The program also included contributions from actor Voislav Spasić and trumpet soloist Danijela Veselinović.
Source and photos: Patriarchate of Serbia
