The Union of Krajina Associations from Novi Sad, supported by the Fund for Refugees, Displaced Persons and Cooperation with Serbs in the Region and Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Serbia, celebrated last evening the Republic of Srpska Day and Slava the Holy First Martyr and Archdeacon Stefan. The ceremony held at the SPENS amphitheatre in Novi Sad sent the messages of peace, unity, sobornost and perseverance of the Serbian people.

A rich cultural and artistic program followed the act of breaking the Slava bread.

In his address, Borislav Maksimović, culture and sports advisor at the Republic of Srpska Representation in Serbia, emphasized the importance of celebrating 9 January, the Day of the Republic of Srpska.

‘For us, celebrating 9 January, the Day of the Republic of Srpska, is very important because it shows the sobornost of our compatriots who live here and the good relations between Srpska and Serbia, which we strengthen with joint efforts by building bridges between the Serbian people on both sides of the Drina,’ said Maksimović.

The Republika Srpska Homeland Community of Subotica also marked the Republic of Srpska Day and Slava the Holy Archdeacon Stefan, hosting guests from Prijedor and other homeland associations in the area.

‘We want to celebrate the Day of the Republic of Srpska, which was created 32 years ago, in the most beautiful way. We owe it to our dead soldiers and civilians who wove their lives into the foundations of the Republic of Srpska,’ said the president of this Community, Milorad Ćopić, at the celebration.

This year again, the Republic of Srpska Day was solemnly celebrated in Akron, Ohio, at the temple of the Great Martyr St Demetrius.

Slava symbols were consecrated during the Divine Liturgy, followed by a memorial service for all the victims of the National Liberation War held in front of the monument to all Serbian race victims whose graves are unknown and to all those with no one to pray and light a candle for them.

During the Slava lunch, the attendees were addressed by Aleksandar Mijatović (the host of this year’s celebration), Archimandrite Leontije (Alavanja) and the local priest Protopresbyter Dragan Goronjić.

Source: Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Serbia – RTRS

Photo: Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Serbia