Putin's letter to Serbs: Today these words echo through the nation

Photo: Tanjug/AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed and congratulated on the completion of works on the Temple of Saint Sava, in Belgrade, the head of Russian diplomacy Sergei Lavrov, who is on an official visit to Serbia, read from the Russian president's letter.

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"The very building of the church inspired and united several generations of Serbs who wanted to keep alive the memory of Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, its first bishop, patriot and educator. The mosaic that adorns the Temple was created by Serbian and Russian masters, and this cooperation is very important and symbolic, especially in the context of the brotherly friendship and spiritual closeness that have been uniting the two nations since ancient times," said the letter read by the Russian foreign minister.

As it is known, Serbian Patriarch Irinej paid great attention to the works on the Temple of Saint Sava. He was buried in the crypt of the Temple after his death, which is why Putin once again expressed his condolences on the occasion of the patriarch's death.

"Please convey the most sincere gratitude to all those who contributed and continue to contribute to the construction of the Temple, as well as the wishes of happiness and prosperity to the citizens of Belgrade and all citizens of Serbia," it is stated in the letter of the Russian president read by Lavrov.

After reading the letter, he added that all Russians want him to convey the most sincere message of condolences on the occasion of the passing of Patriarch Irinej.

"Also, they greet and send congratulations to Serbs on the occasion of this magnificent event," Lavrov said, referring to the completion of works.

Vucic: Many thanks to Russia, this temple is as much yours as it is ours

The president of Serbia expressed his gratitude for the words of support and said that the idea of ​​building the Temple has existed for more than 100 years, but thanks to the Russian friends, a great job has been done in the last decade.

"For more than 100 years, there has been an idea to build the Temple of Saint Sava. We have been struggling for decades, but with the great support and help of our Russian friends, we managed to build and do most of the work in the last decade," Vucic recalled.

He added that he was sure, knowing the late Patriarch Irinej, that he would be proud to be with Lavrov today in the Temple.

"He would look at the domes, admire them, as well as the mastery of Russian artists. It is our job today to say a big thank you to President Putin and say - don't mind if we are proud to use your words, it's 'magnificent' that we have the most beautiful temple in the world," said Vucic and once again asked the Russian minister to convey expressions of gratitude to the president of Russia.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)