President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova addressed the ceremony on the occasion of awarding the “Veljo Manchevski” award for 2024, organized by the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups.
The “Veljo Manchevski” award is awarded as the highest annual recognition for the special contribution of legal entities and individuals who, with their engagement, activity and work, have permanently embedded themselves in the development and deepening of various significant segments in the religious sphere in the country.
Respected Ministers,
Respected Director of the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups,
Respected highest representatives of religious communities and religious groups,
Dear guests,
The honor of being the patron of an event named after the first religious referent of Macedonia, Veljo Manchevski, signifies not only personal gratitude, but also deep inspired excellence. The recognition for special contribution, presented by the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups, is writing its third edition this year. The symbolism is great not only for the religious, but also for the entire social community, and the contribution is inevitable and important. From the very beginning, this event remains subject to respect, support, in-depth cooperation and communication with the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups, which I continue with honor, following my predecessor, Mr. Pendarovski. The quest for leadership is rarely left to women, so the fact that Director Trajkovska is part of your cause fills me with a sense of purpose and worthy apology. Multi-confessionalism as a hallmark of Macedonia, valuably supports democracy, and its principles are evidenced by the cooperation and mutual respect between the state and all its religious communities. As a democratic, secular state, Macedonia continues to walk conscientiously with all its institutionalized foundations, giving a fair account of the bridge between freedom of religion and the significance of the contribution of institutions like yours. After all, the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups is a source of a kind of service for citizens, which places special emphasis on the priority and appreciation of religious rights and freedoms. We draw wealth from you. As a country of solidarity, tolerance and dedication, I hope that this recognition will successfully continue to inspire all those who encourage social progress and proudly testify to the indissoluble connection between spirituality and national development.
Respected and dear attendees,
At today’s event, we have the honor to express respect for the holders of the recognition, and at the same time gratitude for all their dedication, work, sacrifice and tirelessness. You deserve a lot. While you diligently contribute to our cultural and humanistic soil, we strive to translate your work into words worthy of its greatness. As long as the system recognizes human integrity and spirituality, so long will the society have value. And you justify it. Religion is based on a symbiosis between the personal, the common, the immaterial and the spiritual. Common sense confirms the idea of good, and this, in turn, is expressed through faith. If everyone’s desire is reduced to simplicity, ethics and morality will emerge to the surface, depriving us of all the evil in this world. We are effective when we not only learn ethics, but also practice it. Hence, the “Veljo Manchevski” recognition is a symbolic demonstration that in Macedonia that practice continues to be applied, confirming the greatness of its teaching. The very act of our presence or the joint presence of religious leaders and dignitaries is a message that interreligious tolerance, respect and cooperation are not just on paper, but essential, and this is also evidenced by the key contribution of our citizens.
The harmony of coexistence between individuals who coexist on the same ground is something that can, in itself, be enough. As before, you and your institutions should continue to justify the goal with your moral greatness and conscientious grandeur. Much can be learned from you. Building the homeland as a prosperous place to live in, a state in which law, moral values, humanity and solidarity reign is a path full of virtues. You are an indispensable part of it. Words, even mine, are small for your greatness.
Thank you.
