President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, as part of her visit to the Holy See, attended today the prayer service in honor of Saint Cyril in the “San Clemente” basilica and bowed at the grave of the All-Slavic enlightener.
The prayer, which was attended by members of the state-church delegation, representatives from the diplomatic corps and other guests, was led by Bishop Pimen and Bishop Timotei and representatives of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archdiocese.
After the prayer, President Siljanovska Davkova sent a message for continuation of the work of St. Cyril, adding that special beauty to the event was given by the numerous presence of members of the Macedonian diaspora in Italy and Austria.
“Cyril was centuries ahead of his time. Cyril embedded, not only his life, but also our life, in a way, in Europe many centuries ago. We have to respect that. Cyril was aware of the meaning of the word, the thought, because it meant unification, understanding, listening, speaking”, President Siljanovska Davkova said, who proudly mentions Saints Cyril and Methodius who are a direct link between Macedonia, as the cradle of European literacy, and Europe.
She especially emphasized the respect of all Slavic peoples for the work of St. Cyril.
“Cyril said that language is a code for understanding, that we should understand each other, try to listen to each other, help each other. When we come one after the other like this, is there any greater proof that he had in mind but unification of the All-Slavic world. He belongs to everyone and I think his message is a humane message”, President Siljanovska Davkova said after the prayer.
President Siljanovska Davkova also visited the “Santa Maria Maggiore” basilica, where she laid a memorial wreath in front of the plaque in the Macedonian language in honor of the work of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius.
As part of the celebration of “Macedonia in Honor of St. Cyril”, President Siljanovska Davkova, yesterday evening in the “Baldini” hall, attended the concert of the National Institution “Chamber Orchestra from Bitola” and the soloist Nada Talevska-Spasovska, who performed Macedonian folk songs in their arrangement, organized by the Ministry of Culture.
In the afternoon, President Siljanovska Davkova is scheduled to have a meeting with the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.
