Agreement reached between Vucic and Patriarch Irinej?

Photo Tanjug/Presidency of Serbia

President Aleksandar Vucic spoke on the phone with Patriarch of Serbia Irinej, and after the conversation, a joint statement was issued, which we carry in its entirety.

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President Vucic stressed that he understands the need of the people and the Church to celebrate the greatest Christian holiday of the resurrection of Christ concerning which the Holy Synod had made a request to the the state leadership, showing paternal care for its believers. However, due to the current epidemiological situation in Serbia, following measures and instructions prescribed by professionals, we are not able to lift the ban on movement during the police curfew.

His Holiness Patriarch Irinej noted that after the announcement of the Holy Synod, many, and even official representatives, made inappropriate statements creating a biased media picture that could damage the image of the Serbian Church as well as of the Serbian state, misinterpreting the intent of both the Church and state.

"The SPC has so far respected and respects the prescribed measures and recommendations of the government of the Republic of Serbia, while the state took care not to issue orders but only most benevolent recommendations for the benefit of believers of all traditional churches and religious communities in the Republic of Serbia," the statement said.

President Vucic expressed his belief that the SPC would continue to do so in the future, in this way continuing to participate in the fight against this global scourge.

He took the opportunity to thank the Serbian Church for its high level of social responsibility and assistance, convinced that we will emerge from this struggle united, as victors. Hoping for the understanding of the SPC and the believers, President Vucic congratulated His Holiness and the faithful people the coming holiday above all holidays with the ancient Orthodox greeting - Christ is risen!

(Telegraf.rs)