DODIK: GATHERING AND FAITH HAVE PRESERVED SERB PEOPLE IN THE TOUGHEST TIMES

PETROVO, AUGUST 27 /SRNA/ – The President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik has stated today on Ozren that the longevity and endurance of the Serb people has always depended on gathering and faith, which have been their safeguard during the most difficult times in history.

“If we are together and in faith, then good times always lie ahead for our people,” Dodik told reporters on Ozren, where he attended the traditional Assumption Day Gathering, held in the complex of the Monastery of Saint Nicholas.

Dodik emphasized that he is always present where the Serb people gather.

“I came to join the faithful, monks, clergy, and His Eminence Metropolitan Fotije to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God,” Dodik stated.

According to him, such gatherings demonstrate the unwavering faith of our people and their strength in preserving their identity.

“The Church has always been significant in this struggle and had an almost decisive role. During the most difficult times of Turkish occupation, the Church preserved our identity, our script, language, and patron saint traditions, which distinguish us from many others,” Dodik stated.

The evening service at the Monastery of Saint Nicholas was conducted by the Zvornik-Tuzla Metropolitan Fotije.

Dodik was welcomed in front of the monastery complex by Republika Srpska National Assembly Deputy Danijel Jošić, Doboj Mayor Boris Jerinić, and Petrovo Mayor Ozren Petković.

The gathering was also attended by Deputy Minister of Defense in the Council of Ministers Aleksandar Goganović and Head of the SNSD Caucus in the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH Sanja Vulić.

Traditionally, for decades, a church-national assembly has been held at the Monastery of Saint Nicholas on Ozren during the days before and after the Feast of the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God, as well as on the holiday itself.