HEAD OF SERB ORTHODOX CHURCH VISITS CROATIA

ZAGREB, March 15 (Hina) - Head of the Serb Orthodox church, Patriarch Pavle, held mass in a crowded Church of the Holy Transfiguration in downtown Zagreb on Monday evening. This is the Patriarch's first pastoral and official visit to the Orthodox faithful in Croatia. The high Orthodox dignitary was accompanied by the Metropolitan for Zagreb, Ljubljana and Italy, Jovan Pavlovic, the Bishops of Sabac and Nis, Irinej and Lavrentije, and a number of Orthodox priests from Croatia. Patriarch Pavle was welcomed by the head of the Zagreb Serb Orthodox community, Milenko Popovic. Patriarch Pavle is the third head of the Serb Orthodox Church to be visiting the Church of the Holy Transfiguration, which is more than 200 years old, Popovic said. "You have come here as a peace-maker to make peace between the Orthodox Serbs and the Roman-Catholic Croats. Both of them suffered victims in the recent war and you will bless wounds which are still deep. You have come to visit us who stayed here to preserve Orthodox faith and live in peace with other nations. You have come to support us who stayed, and show the way to those who wish to return to their homes", said Popovic. Calling the brothers in Christ to say a prayer together, Patriarch Pavle said: "Whether we will act as humans or non-humans depends on us only...that is why I ask you to serve God and your neighbour, to stand tall before other people, conscience and God. Be honourable in performing your duties as citizens and respect the laws of this Republic! Be good neighbours because it will do you honour before other people. Keep your holy faith, concord and unity amongst you and peace and tolerance towards other people". Following the service, a large crowd welcomed with applause the Patriarch and other priests while they were leaving the church. The dignitaries then headed towards the church community building and the office of the Zagreb-Ljubljana Metropolitan Jovan. (hina) jn rml