Skopje, 15 June 2026 (MIA) — Organized by the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups in cooperation with the Macedonian Orthodox Church, a memorial service was held Monday to mark the 40th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Angelarij, the former head of the MOC buried at the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius Church in Skopje.

Current MOC leader Archbishop Stefan led the service, reflecting on his Angelarij's character, achievements and legacy.

"Receiving the priesthood at just 21 years old, he began a ministry that spanned more than 50 years," Archbishop Stefan said. 

"He served as a priest for 43 years, a bishop for six years, and spent his final five years successfully and nobly leading the Macedonian Orthodox Church as archbishop during demanding and responsible times."

Archbishop Stefan noted Archbishop Angelarij's spiritual contributions and his deep commitment to the liturgical life of the church. He also praised his humanity, patience and pursuit of peace.

"His bitter experience taught him that wars begin when people stop viewing each other as brothers, and that peace is born when hearts open up," Archbishop Stefan said. 

"That is why he often said, 'The Balkans are not narrow; people's hearts are narrow.' This thought carries profound Christian wisdom. People are pulled apart by fear and prejudice. Yet where there is love, respect and mutual understanding, there is room for everyone."

President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov and other government officials and citizens attended the flower-laying ceremony at Archbishop Angelarij's tomb.

Archbishop Angelarij was the second leader of the restored Macedonian Orthodox Church, succeeding Archbishop Dositej. Born into a family of priests, Angelarij fought in the National Liberation War during World War II and served on the 1945 initiative board that organized the modern Macedonian Orthodox Church. 

From 1961 to 1964, he served as a priest for the Macedonian diaspora in Melbourne, Australia. He founded the first Macedonian Orthodox community there, building the first recognized Macedonian church outside the country.

After he came back from Australia in 1964, he served at the Church of the Holy Annunciation in Prilep before becoming a monk in 1972. 

He was enthroned as the Bishop of Pelagonia in 1975, named Metropolitan of Debar and Kichevo in 1977, and elected Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia in 1981. 

After nearly five years leading the church, he died a car accident on June 15, 1986, traveling between Prilep and Skopje. mr/