STRONG MESSAGE FROM BISHOP TEODOSIJE FROM PRIZREN: „Even though there are few of us and we are not desirable, we survive through faith, hope, and love!“

In the Cathedral of the Holy Great Martyr George in Prizren, the temple’s patron saint day was solemnly celebrated today, as well as the slava of Metropolitan Teodosije of Raška-Prizren, with messages of survival and witnessing faith in this city.

Addressing the believers after the liturgy, Metropolitan Teodosije pointed out the difficult position of Orthodox believers in Prizren, but also their perseverance.

„And we today witness that we belong to Christ, even though there are few of us here and even though we are not desirable to many in this city. Nevertheless, we survive through faith, hope, and love in God’s help,“ Teodosije said.

He particularly emphasized the importance of the life and survival of the believers in this city, stating that they are a living testimony of faith.

„Both professors, and seminarians, and children who are born and grow up here, witness Christ through their lives. Like our ancestors, we too must be ready to, if necessary, witness faith, truth, and justice through sacrifice and suffering,“ said the Metropolitan, adding that only in this way can „salvation and eternal life“ be gained.

Liturgy and messages of faith

The liturgy was served by Metropolitan Teodosije, with the concelebration of Bishop Tihon of Moravička and the clergy of the Eparchy of Raška-Prizren, while the professors and students of the Prizren Seminary sang at the cantor’s desk.

In the sermon, Bishop Tihon spoke about the suffering and faith of Saint George, emphasizing that today’s believers are also called to remain steadfast.

„And we, Orthodox Christians, are called not to renounce the cross, but to unite with the suffering and resurrected Christ,“ said Bishop Tihon.

After the liturgy, a procession was held around the temple, followed by the cutting of the slava cake.

St. George’s Day – a holiday of faith and gathering

St. George’s Day, celebrated on May 6, is dedicated to Saint George and in folk belief marks the boundary between winter and summer, as well as the beginning of a new cycle in nature.

Saint George was a Roman soldier who suffered for Christianity in the 4th century. He is considered a symbol of the victory of good over evil.

The holiday is observed among various communities and faiths, and is accompanied by a series of customs – from weaving wreaths and decorating homes with greenery, to washing with water containing medicinal herbs.

In Kosovo, where it is solemnly celebrated by Serbs as well as by Gorani people in Gora, St. George’s Day also carries a strong social dimension – it brings people together and returns life to areas affected by emigration.