THE KARAĐORĐEVIĆ CELEBRATE FAMILY SLAVA: The Patriarch serves liturgy, and young Prince Stefan (6) cuts the slava cake! (PHOTO)

On the feast day of Saint Andrew the First-Called, the family slava of the Karađorđević family, Patriarch Porfirije, served a holy hierarchical liturgy in the Court Chapel dedicated to this saint in the Royal Palace in Belgrade.

The liturgy was prayerfully attended by Crown Prince Filip, Princess Danica, Prince Stefan, Princess Marija, and Prince Aleksandar with his girlfriend Vesna Jelić, according to the statement.

Bishop Aleksej of Hvosno and Bishop Nikon of Jenopolje served with Patriarch Porfirije.

The celebration of the slava was also attended by Belgrade Mufti Mustafa Jusufspahić, Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community in Serbia Isak Asiel, and the parents of Princess Danica, Cile and Beba Marinković.

On this occasion, Crown Prince Filip expressed deep gratitude that the family is once again celebrating the slava in their homeland.

“Our slava was never complete as it is here, in our homeland,” said the prince, emphasizing that in exile, they had tried to preserve their heritage and customs, but the void could not be filled.

Recalling the history and the strength that the family drew from faith, Prince Filip emphasized the significance of Saint Andrew in the most difficult times:

“Just as he led our Karađorđe and the insurgents in the liberation of Belgrade, so he brought us to our home.”

Today, in the spirit of tradition and ancestors, the Karađorđević family celebrates in the home of their ancestors, surrounded by love and joy.

“We are happy and grateful that the Karađorđevićs are being reborn and living in their homeland, gathering in front of the ancestral icon and sharing a meal in the glory of God and in honor of Saint Andrew,” said the Crown Prince.

This holiday once again showed the deep connection of the Karađorđević family to its roots, faith, and people.