FESTIVE PROCESSION AS BANJA LUKA MARKS PATRON SAINT’S DAY

BANJA LUKA, MAY 21 /SRNA/ - Top officials of Republika Srpska and numerous faithful today took part in a festive procession marking Spasovdan, the patron saint's day of Banja Luka, led by His Eminence Metropolitan of Banja Luka Jefrem.

The procession around the Cathedral of Christ the Savior included Republika Srpska National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandić, Serb member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović, Prime Minister Savo Minić, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, Banja Luka Mayor Draško Stanivuković, representatives of city and republic institutions and numerous believers.

National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandić expressed satisfaction that everyone today participated together in the procession, regardless of personal, political, or any other differences and opposing views.

"It is a great thing that we are proud of preserving our faith and culture. We should pass that on to our children so they too can gather together in the Spasovdan and all other processions. These are values that Republika Srpska should generate. They are also an example for all other Serb communities", Stevandić told reporters.

Stanivuković congratulated all citizens and believers on the patron saint's day of Banja Luka, wishing them to continue gathering around the Serbian Orthodox Church and overcoming all challenges together.

Earlier, a Holy Hierarchical Liturgy was served at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior on the occasion of Spasovdan.

The celebration program will continue in the evening on the promenade next to the Cathedral, where winners of the competition for the best traditional bread and rakija will be announced alongside a festive gathering and accompanying entertainment.

A gusle evening organized by the "Sandić" Gusle School is also planned for tonight.

The celebration of Spasovdan, the patron saint's day of the city and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, began last night with a festive vigil in the churchyard, followed by a concert by the Serbian Singing Society "Jedinstvo".