SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IS THE PILLAR OF SERBIAN IDENTITY

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, JANUARY 2 /SRNA/ – Deputy Chair of the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac said that the Serbian Orthodox Church /SOC/ is the strongest pillar of Serbian national identity and that only a united people, gathered around the Church, can preserve their national identity and Republika Srpska.

Košarac stressed he is proud of the policies of SNSD President Milorad Dodik and the institutions of Srpska, which maintain excellent relations and cooperation with the Serbian Orthodox Church, based on love, respect, mutual appreciation, and understanding.

He noted that during the Christmas Fast, a time of spiritual peace, prayer, and renewal of the soul, it is important to be reminded of the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church as the guardian of the unity of the Serbian people, regardless of social and historical circumstances.

"Even today, in these challenging times for our people, the Church remains the central place of our gathering and unity, the guardian of faith, tradition, and spiritual heritage," Košarac stated on Instagram.

According to him, the Serbian Orthodox Church preserves the most important values of the Serbian people, which is why it is essential that the nation remain united and gathered around Serbian sacred places such as the Serbian Orthodox Church and the homeland of Republika Srpska.

Košarac stated that the greatest Christian holiday, Christmas, is being welcomed with love and joy in people’s hearts, followed by January 9 - the Day of Republika Srpska - which will be marked this year under the slogan “Living hearths."

He stressed that the slogan is a powerful symbol of unity and the continuity of Republika Srpska, adding that Srpska is a shared home and hearth where the national identity, faith, language, tradition, and customs of the Serbian people are preserved.

"Our unity and patriotism are symbols of our past, present, and future. This is a pledge for today’s and future generations. The hearth will live on! Republika Srpska will live on!" Košarac said.