President Stevo Pendarovski, on the occasion of the Christian holiday of St. Clement of Ohrid, sent a congratulation message to H.H. Stefan, Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia and of Justiniana Prima.
Distinguished Holiness Stefan,
I have a special pleasure and honor to extend to you personally and to the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops, the venerable monks and clergy, as well as to all the Orthodox believers, on the occasion of the great holiday of St. Clement of Ohrid. I sincerely wish you to spend the day dedicated to the patron of the MOC-OA in good health, harmony and joy.
St. Clement of Ohrid faithfully continuing the work of his teachers, Saints Cyril and Methodius, laid the foundations of spirituality and enlightenment in our region. Even after 11 centuries of his death, his work has stood the test of time, not ceasing to be an inspiration and motivation not only for Macedonian citizens, but beyond the Balkans and Europe.
St. Clement of Ohrid not only left a great spiritual and enlightening heritage, but also with a personal example showed what mercy, diligence, patience, solidarity mean. It is these virtues that we need at a time when the whole mankind is battling the Covid 19 pandemic and its devastating consequences. Unfortunately, right now, as a nation and a state, we are faced with additional difficulties and challenges, when our past is denied, the present is burdened and the future is endangered. I wish the deeds and wisdom of St. Clement to be our guide and signpost through the tribulations, and his faith and love underpin in the temptations that only jointly and united we can overcome.
Many happy returns to this holiday!
Stevo Pendarovski
