BISHOP LONGIN: REPUBLIKA SRPSKA AND PRESIDENT DODIK PROVIDED GREATEST SUPPORT FOR RENOVATION OF THE SPIRITUAL CENTRE

CHICAGO, NOVEMBER 14 /SRNA/ - Metropolitan Longin of the Midwestern American Diocese said that Republika Srpska and President Milorad Dodik had provided the greatest assistance in the renovation of the Spiritual and Cultural Centre and the residence at the St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville, near Chicago.

The Bishop noted that Dodik was known as a benefactor of many churches and monasteries and was a unique example of generosity.

"Our Bishop in Banja Luka and all other hierarchs see him as a great benefactor and supporter of our people," Bishop Longin said, thanking Dodik for coming solely to be with the faithful in Libertyville today.

He said he was proud that there were people so dedicated to serving their own people, driven by a mission to help their fellow Serbs and other peoples in Republika Srpska.

"May God protect Republika Srpska, him and all good people," Bishop Longin said, presenting Dodik with the Order of St. Mardarije, First Class.

He said that Bishop Mardarije had built the St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville so that Serbian youth and children would grow up to be what the holy fathers had been – Orthodox Serbs.

"I believe that today, following this wonderful renovation of the monastery residence and the Spiritual Centre building, we have something to show to Bishop Nikolaj and Bishop Mardarije," Bishop Longin said.

He also noted that it was no coincidence that Serbs are in Libertyville, as Serbs themselves were a freedom-loving nation.

"This is our oldest and finest spiritual and national hearth, which keeps us warm," Bishop Longin said, adding that it was also their duty to maintain and beautify it and to visit it.

He stressed that churches, parishes and individuals had also contributed to the renovation and said they were grateful to them all.