The earthly remains of Metropolitan Amfilohije were prayerfully met in the Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection in Podgorica, capital of Montenegro, as they had been previously sent from the Cetinje Monastery, where the Holy Liturgy had been celebrated for the repose of the soul of the Archbishop of blessed memory on 31 of October 2020.
The Divine Liturgy was officiated by Their Graces Bishops: Joanikije of Budimlye-Niksic and administrator of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro-Coastlands, Teodosije of Raska-Prizren, Dimitrije of Zaholm-Herzegovina, vicar Bishop Methodius of Diocletia and retired Bishop of Zaholm-Herzegovina Atanasije.
Although the procession with Metropolitan’s coffin left Cetinje at 1 pm, it arrived in the Podgorica Church of the Resurrection of Christ at around 2:30 pm because people had been waiting on their knees for their pastor and spiritual father all the way, once again connecting the Holy Throne of Cetinje metropolitans with the Podgorica shrine where the Metropolitan may find his eternal rest.
The coffin with the Metropolitan’s earthly remains was carried through thousands of people, who crowded the church-yard, and brought to the Church of Christ’s Resurrection, where the faithful may say farewell to their archpastor who had been on the throne of St. Peter of Cetinje for 30 years.
The Bishop of Budimlye-Niksic and administrator of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro-Coastlands Joanikije said today that the arrival of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic to attend the funeral of Metropolitan Amfilohije was a good impulse to start fostering closer relations between Serbia and Montenegro. The Bishop also announced arrival of Milorad Dodik, the Serbian member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Aware of the overall health situation, but also of the great respect that the newly appointed Metropolitan enjoyed, we once again call upon all the participants in the funeral rites to observe all prescribed health measures, wear masks and keep distance among themselves,” was announced by the Metropolitanate of Montenegro-Littoral.
