Patriarch Kirill Awarded Serbia’s Highest National Honour

DECR & OCP News Service – 09/05/2025

Moscow- Russia: His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia was awarded the Order of the Republic of Serbia, First Class with Grand Chain—the highest state honour of Serbia—by His Excellency Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia. The award ceremony took place on 8 May 2025 at the Patriarchal and Synodal residence in the Danilov Monastery, Moscow, following a formal meeting between the Serbian President and the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In his remarks, President Vučić expressed profound gratitude to Patriarch Kirill for his exceptional contributions toward strengthening the historic and spiritual bonds between the Serbian and Russian peoples and their Orthodox Churches. He praised the Patriarch as a wise and authoritative spiritual leader who defends Christian values and the unity of Orthodox nations.

“You are a sincere friend of Serbia,” stated President Vučić, “a voice for the protection of our holy sites and the peaceful population of Kosovo and Metohija. Your name is prayerfully remembered in our churches—in Kosovo, in Belgrade, especially in the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Sava, whose beauty was enhanced by Russia’s generous support.”

The official presidential decree accompanying the award described it as recognition for “outstanding merits in the development and strengthening of friendly relations and cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Russian Orthodox Church.”

In his response, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill expressed heartfelt appreciation for the honour, stating that the relationship between Russia and Serbia transcends mere diplomacy, being deeply rooted in shared faith, history, and mutual loyalty.

“Our peoples have never been at war with each other, never betrayed each other—something truly unique in the European context,” said the Patriarch. “Though separated by borders and geography, we are united spiritually, culturally, and emotionally. This unity is not abstract but confirmed by our shared history.”

Patriarch Kirill extended his gratitude to the President and the people of Serbia, affirming his hope that the love and mutual support between the two nations and Churches will continue for generations to come.

Among those present at the ceremony were Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR); Bishop Alexy of Ramenskoye, personal secretary to the Patriarch; Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, Patriarchal Advisor; and Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, Deputy Chairman of the DECR.

Representing the Serbian side were Bishop Stefan of Remesiana, Representative of the Serbian Orthodox Church to the Moscow Patriarchate; Momo Babić, Ambassador of Serbia to Russia; Zlatibor Lončar, Serbian Minister of Health; Nenad Popović, Minister in the Government of Serbia; Tanja Jović and Dragutin Matanović, Presidential Advisors; and Dušan Bajatović, Director of Srbijagas.

Source:

OCP News Service