Detroit, 29 September 2025 (MIA) - We must preserve our ties, to be in constant communication, we must restore our diaspora, and we will do this the fastest by establishing a council on diaspora, with a registry of people, President Siljanovska-Davkova told the Macedonian diaspora in Detroit during a visit to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox church.

“I wish that we remain in constant communication, because there's only one family in the world named Macedonian, and I know that one can change everything in life except for one’s homeland,” the President said.

She said the Macedonian people can compete everywhere, even in the most competitive United States.

“And that is why I think it is very important to preserve our ties. You haven’t always left home because of competition, many times it was due to poor conditions at home, the inability for the best to reach the highest positions, sometimes even for career reasons, but all of that is a pact,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

The President said during her stay in the U.S., she had the opportunity to meet many successful businessmen and spoke about what she admires in them. “When you hear people like Chris Pavlovski, for example, who says that ‘Rumble’ is very important to him, but he wants his son to know how to dance the oro and teaches him that he is Macedonian, that gives me hope. When Mike Zafirovski asked to visit me this summer with a large group of people, that also gives me hope that we will continue together,” Siljanovska-Davkova said. 

Mentioning that the traditional Macedonian dishes prepared by the Macedonians at the church in Detroit reminded her of childhood, she said that this is something the members of the Macedonian diaspora, in their effort to preserve the unchanging essence of the homeland and pass it on to their children, show that this is how we endure.

“Wherever we are, we won’t lose the Macedonian part of ourselves. It is no coincidence that we are what we are. We must transfer to our children that which we have inherited if we want to endure,” the President said.

Regarding the Macedonian language as heritage, Siljanovska-Davkova noted that her speech at the United Nations, not only because of its content but likely also due to the melodic nature of the language, was described by many as sounding like a song.

“That was confirmed to me years ago by the president of the International Linguistic Association. I’ve heard it again here, through our beautiful dialects. It’s something we’ve inherited, something that makes us unique, something without which there is no identity. That’s what I try to explain to our European friends,” Siljanovska-Davkova stressed.

The President said she tries to explain that the country is not asking for any exclusive status, “but that we are asking to be treated like everyone else”.

“We are asking them to respect their own standards. But I think it’s very difficult, though not impossible,” Siljanovska-Davkova added.

The President along with Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski and the Macedonian delegation, also attended a liturgy at the Macedonian church in Detroit. 

Father Sinisha Ristovski, following the liturgy that was also attended by the Metropolitan of the Macedonian Orthodox Diocese of America, Methodius, said it represents a historic moment.

“Your presence is more than an honor, it is a symbol of vision, wisdom, and the strength of determination. You carry a responsibility that inspires trust, respect, and hope. Every decision you make, every initiative you undertake holds the power to transform lives, illuminate the paths of truth, and build bridges of cooperation and understanding among nations. May your leadership be a symbol of dignity, justice, and spiritual strength, and your service a lasting reminder of responsibility, respect, and perseverance,” Father Ristovski said.

The President also visited the Sunday church school located in the church courtyard, attended by 120 children learning in Macedonian. “Today, when I saw that beautiful setting with children holding books right in the church courtyard, in the house, in the home of the church, I am certain that we have a chance to endure,” President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said.

Photo: President’s Office