Skopje, 15 April 2023 (MIA) — A Macedonian state and church delegation is for the first time attending the Service of the Holy Light held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Israel. The annual Great Saturday event is traditionally attended by international diplomats and clergy to receive the Holy Light and carry it back to their countries, according to a government press release.

The delegation is led by Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski and includes Culture Minister Bisera Kostadinovska Stojchevska, State Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Groups director Darijan Sotirovski, and Macedonian Orthodox Church Metropolitan of Tetovo and Gostivar Josif Todorovski.

Ahead of the church service, Interior Minister Spasovski said he was honored to lead the delegation.

It was a historic occassion, he said, following the Ecumenical Patriarchate's recognition and acceptance into communion of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

"This is the first year that we are able to receive the fire directly at the temple and with the blessing of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, take it to Macedonia," Spasovski said, adding that this was greatly significant for the church and the state.

Delegation member and Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska Stojchevska said the Holy Light would "illuminate our homes and temples throughout the year." 

Kostadinovska Stojchevska added that bilateral cooperation with Israel had been fruitful. 

"We often cooperate with the State of Israel, with all those who wish to exchange experiences with us. Let us continue to learn from each other, learn not only in the field of religion but also in the field of culture. Let us learn about humanity, about the victory of life and how to be better at what we do on a daily basis," the culture minister said.

The delegation also attended the Good Friday Epitaph Service at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. mr/

Фото: Влада на Република Северна Македонија

Видео: Влада на Република Северна Македонија