Address by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dačić on the occasion of the enthronement of Bishop Sergey of Central Europe who held service today, at the Himmelster Monastery near Hildesheim:

"Your Holiness,
Your Eminences,
Distinguished mayors,
Religious dignitaries,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am greatly honoured to address you, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, on this exceptional occasion – the solemn enthronement of His Eminence Bishop Sergey of Central Europe.

This act is of special importance for the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbian people living in the Federal Republic of Germany, because the Serbian Orthodox Church is one of the major mainstays and centres bringing together our diaspora in Germany. The contribution and the significance of the Serbian Orthodox Church for the preservation of the national and spiritual identity of our people in Germany, is immeasurable. I will recall that the diaspora is a valuable factor in the promotion and the development of bilateral relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Federal Republic of Germany.

It is well known that Germany is one of our major political and economic partners. Our relations have been enhanced, characterized by intensified cooperation in all areas and a high-level dialogue, and are developing on an ascending line.

The Federal Republic of Germany is one of the most prominent members of the European Union, having a significant impact on Serbia's European integration process – and I see positive steps in that direction. The country where you live guarantees respect of all human rights, including the right to freedom of religion, which is of such great importance to the Serbian Orthodox Church and its believers. The fact that this solemn act is attended today by the Bishop of the Catholic Church, representatives of the Evangelist Church, Metropolitan Augustine of the Greek Orthodox Church I understand as a direct reflection of that freedom and harmony, becoming increasingly important for people in the future.

I particularly wish to draw your attention to the growing problem of the loss of national identity among our diaspora. On the one hand, our people are well integrated in the German society, constituting beyond any doubt a community that contributes to the progress of the society and the country in which they live. On the other hand, there is a fear of losing our own national identity. In this particular area, I see the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church which, along with the official institutions of the Republic of Serbia, contributes to the preservation of the national identity and its manifestation for the wellbeing of both their fatherland and the country where our people live.

May I now wish Your Eminence Sergey, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and on my own behalf, to accomplish – with the will of God – all your plans as Eparch of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Germany and to spearhead believers– with faith in God – in the interest of the Church and its believers."