President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova addressed the ceremony of awarding the “Veljo Manchevski” award, named after the first religious officer in 1943.
In her capacity as patron, she congratulated the winners, assessing that their work, engagement and success represent an example of excellence, social responsibility and dedication to the common good.
For her, the “Veljo Manchevski” award is an institutional recognition and appreciation of the special spiritual, educational and human contribution of individuals, associations and organizations in the Macedonian society.
“In an accelerated digital age, geopolitical tensions and general uncertainty, there is a dire need for individuals with intelligence, knowledge, dignity, integrity, decency and courage who will help us preserve our physical and mental health, not to lose our human path and walk on the right path”, the President said.
Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized the important role of religious dignitaries as spiritual leaders, but also of the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups as a respected mediator and bridge between them!
The President pointed out that the tradition of coexistence and mutual respect of citizens of different religious or ethnic backgrounds is an important factor in the cohesion of the Macedonian society.
This year, the “Veljo Manchevski” award was received by: Berta Romano-Nikolic, from the Jewish Community, for promoting the Macedonian model of coexistence and democracy, Archpriest Goce Kostov for promoting true Christian values, prof. Dr. Shinazi Memedi, from the Islamic Religious Community, for the affirmation of Islamic culture and civilization and Diakonia Macedonia – Miss Ston Center from the Evangelical Methodist Church. The “Veljo Manchevski” award for lifetime achievement went to Prof. Dr. Aco Girevski, from the Macedonian Orthodox Church.
Below is the integral text of the address of President Siljanovska-Davkova.
Respected Vice Prime Minister,
Respected Vice Speaker of the Parliemant,
Respected Ministers,
Respected dignitaries,
Respected Director of the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups, Ms. Olivera Trajkovska,
Respected high representatives of religious communities and religious groups,
Dear guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is my honor to be the patron again this year of the awarding of the “Veljo Manchevski” award, the first religious officer in 1943, by the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups.
For four years now, this award has been awarded to individuals and institutions for a special spiritual, solidary and humane contribution to the community.
In this accelerated digital age, burdened with geopolitical tensions and general uncertainty, we are in dire need of orientations of integrity, dignity, courage, decency and dedication.
Supporting today’s event and highly appreciating the contributions of the awardees, as President, let me reaffirm my sincere commitment to respect, cooperation and unity. These are not abstract nouns and bare rhetoric, but values we have lived with, values that have helped us understand each other throughout the centuries spent together in cohabitation and coexistence.
Let me remind you that, regardless of religious, ethnic or any other affiliation, our citizens have respected each other. It is natural to cherish and preserve this valuable tradition. Everything else would mean dismantling the fabric of the Macedonian state.
We do not have time to waste solving problems, animosities and misunderstandings from the past, which are artificially imposed on us. Time demands that we live the present peacefully and unitedly, courageously facing the future, with a clear vision and brave solutions.
I am convinced that our spiritual and intellectual leaders and our citizens have sound ideas and a clear and firm will to move the society towards reform and development.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, accompanied by the representatives of our religious communities and religious groups, I can simply share with you the impression that humanity, times and again, is facing dramatic upheavals that can only be overcome with intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, faith, trust, kindness and love.
You, the religious leaders, are the ones who are with believers every day; you teach them, set an example for them, care for their needs, understand their suffering and mistakes, give them moral and spiritual support, comfort and help!
You listen to our confessions, you know our fears, worries, hopes and joys. You have committed yourself before God to be messengers of truth, advocates of the wronged and forgotten, defenders of spirituality and morality.
Such messengers are today’s recipients of the “Veljo Manchevski” award. I congratulate them on the award from the bottom of my heart and believe that this significant recognition will motivate and encourage them to even greater and higher achievements and successes.
I would like to point out the very important role of the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups as a bridge between the religious communities and, through them, between the believers. I wish you to continue to diligently fulfil your mission with integrity and dignity.
I believe that all of us, as individuals, as institutions and as a community, guided by faith, belief and spirit, are destined to do good deeds and contribute to the well-being of our common homeland.
Thank you.
