BELLS FOR EMPEROR LAZAR IN AMERICA: Consul General Božović and Crown Prince Aleksandar attended the liturgy in New Jersey! (PHOTO)

At the invitation of the Church-School Municipality and the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Paterson, New Jersey, and with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America, the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Dr. Vladimir Božović, together with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Aleksandar, attended a solemn liturgy in the church, as well as a memorial service for Saint Emperor Lazar and the Kosovo martyrs at the Serbian Estate in New Jersey.

After the commemoration and memorial service, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Aleksandar addressed those present, emphasizing in his speech the significance of Vidovdan and the strength of our covenant.

Following him, Consul General Dr. Vladimir Božović also spoke, particularly highlighting the significance and symbolism of Vidovdan, especially here in America and the diaspora. Vidovdan represents the best examples from our faith, history, culture, and tradition, which we must nurture, preserve, and advance through modern methods and means, without deviating from the essence and foundation that rest on the holy Kosovo covenant.

As always, Dr. Božović pointed out the positive examples of the holy great martyrs of Kosovo — Saint Emperor Lazar and Saint Sava — but also contemporary saints and role models such as Saint Bishop Nikolaj, Nikola Tesla, and Mihajlo Pupin, who lived and created here, in New York and America.

He pointed out the importance of gratitude to this great country and the American people, and thanked Crown Prince Aleksandar for his presence, emphasizing the positive values of the Karađorđević crown.

He called, as did the Crown Prince and Father Đokan in his sermon in the church, for Serbian harmony and unity, mutual solidarity, forgiveness, and understanding.

The program was especially enhanced by little Petar, who recited the poem “Vidovdan” by the blessed Metropolitan Amfilohije.

The gathering concluded with a feast of love at the beautiful Serbian Estate, with the wish to gather in even greater numbers next year.