DODIK: RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS SURVIVE THANKS TO STRONG PEOPLE'S FAITH

ČELINAC, AUGUST 28 /SRNA/ – The Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God in the Jošavka local community near Čelinac, which is marking its 100th anniversary and the Dormition of the Mother of God, has survived for an entire century thanks to the local residents whose faith is strong, President Milorad Dodik stated.

Dodik recalled that the church had survived wars as well as other events and had continued to serve as a gathering place for numerous believers.

"Many places are celebrating their patron saint's day today, but I chose to be here because of this anniversary," Dodik told the press after the Divine Hierarchical Liturgy served by His Eminence Jefrem, Metropolitan of Banja Luka.

Dodik stressed that Serbs had preserved this religious building, which is modern today.

Also attending the Divine Liturgy were Republika Srpska Minister of Interior Željko Budimir, Minister of Finance and Treasury in the Council of Ministers Srđan Amidžić, head of the SNSD Caucus in the Republika Srpska National Assembly Srđan Mazalica, SNSD Organisational Secretary Igor Dodik, Banja Luka Mayor Draško Stanivuković, SDS Leader Branko Blanuša, and numerous believers.

The Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God was built over a period of six years and completed in 1926. It was consecrated in 1928 by Vasilije, Metropolitan of Banja Luka.

The church was damaged in the 1969 earthquake and repaired in 1972. It was damaged again in the 1981 earthquake and repaired in 1993.

The restored church was consecrated by Bishop Jefrem on June 8, 2009.