Serbian FM: Christmas shows importance of Church-state activities

NEWS 06.01.202214:34
FOTO TANJUG/RADE PRELIĆ

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said on Wednesday that Christmas provides an opportunity to show the importance of joint activities by the government and Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) for the benefit of the Serbian people.

The minister’s Christmas message to SPC elder Patriarch Porfirije, the clergy and the faithful said that “the symbolism of the Christmas holiday in these challenging times should inspire wisdom and strength in everyone to find the path to salvation in every challenge they face”, the Foreign ministry said in a press release.

Foreign Ministry staff marked Christmas eve by carrying an oak branch into the building. The press release said that the ceremony was attended by section chiefs and ambassadors. The tradition was renewed by Selakovic in 2021 following a break of 80 years. The same tradition was introduced a few years ago by then President Tomislav Nikolic in the Serbian Presidency building.