Chicago – Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska, Zeljka Cvijanovic who is visiting the United States of America upon the invitation of His Grace Bishop Longin of New Gracanica and Midwestern America attended the prayer ceremonies in honor of St. Mardarije of Libertyville and All-America, the first Serbian Orthodox Bishop of America and Canada.
The prayer ceremonies at the Head of New Gracanica Eparchy was led by His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej.
At the official banquette following the ceremony which has also been attended by orthodox hierarchs and representatives of other Local Churches and distinguished members of the academic, cultural and business community of the diaspora, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of preserving and upgrading the cultural and religious identity of the Serbian people.
Prime Minister Cvijanovic further underlined the importance of having institutional connections between our diaspora and the Republic of Srpska and stated she was happy to see that our people living abroad were ready to get involved in Government projects which mean stronger connectivity and cooperation with the mother country.
The Prime Minister thanked on this occasion the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian community in America for keeping the Serbian identity and promoting the Republic of Srpska and for the great support they have always been ready to provide when solidarity and joint efforts were needed for the sake of the recovery of Srpska.
source: Vlada RS