The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, posthumously awarded the Order of the Montenegrin Great Star, the highest state recognition that Montenegro can bestow upon its citizen, to the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Amfilohije, despite strong opposition from part of the public.
According to the statement, the order was awarded for his immense contribution to strengthening the international reputation of the state, as well as for preserving spiritual tradition, building social peace, and shaping one of the most important chapters of contemporary history.
It is further stated that Milatović said they remember today a man who left a deep, indelible mark on the history of the country.
Amfilohije was more than a church dignitary, said Milatović.
He stated that Metropolitan Amfilohije was a bridge between spirituality and knowledge, between East and West.
The order was, at the wish and with the consent of the family, presented to the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Joanikije, who thanked the president for awarding the order and for “recognizing and appreciating the great merits of our late Metropolitan Amfilohije,” the statement said.
Joanikije said that Amfilohije, as a man of great education, great charisma, and great reputation, was a welcome and respected guest in the main centers of all Orthodox countries and far beyond.
Leading non-governmental organizations in Montenegro assessed that the propaganda aiming to build a cult of personality around Amfilohije has gained such momentum that even opposition parties lack the courage to remind the public of the full truth about the actions of the prominent clergyman who deeply polarized Montenegro.
“In this context, we express our protest over the intention to erect a 2.5-meter monument to him in Kolašin, after the construction of a four-meter monument in Berane is already underway,” the public letter states.
MORE TOPICS:
VUČIĆ ON THE FIRE IN ĆACILEND: A pensioner and former DB employee arrested for a terrorist attack!
Source: N1, Foto: MCP