His Excellency, the Honorable Sergey K. Ovsyannikov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in New York, and His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Administrator of the Russian Orthodox Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, cohosted a traditional Orthodox Nativity and New Year Reception at the Russian Consulate General in New York on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. The same day was also the feast day of St. Seraphim of Sarov and Bishop Irinej’s 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Diaconate.

This annual reception is held at Christmastide for members of the Orthodox Consular Corps, Orthodox Hierarchs and clergy, and distinguished members of the Russian Community. Representing the Serbian Orthodox Church was His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America, accompanied by the Very Rev. Dr. Zivojin Jakovljevic, Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern America. Her Excellency Mirjana Zivkovic, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia, represented the Serbian Nation. Thus manifesting the traditional ties between the Russian and Serbian Churches, Nations and peoples, sharing the same Orthodox Christian faith, Slavic blood and languages. 

Following welcome addresses and festal greetings by Consul General Ovsyannikov, and His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, representing the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, the gathering was treated to the resplendent sounds of Orthodox Christmas music in the Russian Tradition, by a outstanding male chorus. Following the concert, the Nativity troparion was joyously sung by all present as a bountiful and well laden festal table was blessed by His Grace Irinej for the enjoyment of those in attendance.

https://easterndiocese.org/news_190116_3.html

Тhe Government of the Republic of Serbia, at its meeting on 25 October 2018, adopted a decision to abolish visa requirements for nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Commonwealth of Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago, holders of all types of passports, allowing them to enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days from the date of their entry into the Republic of Serbia during a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days, unless there are impediments referred to in Article 15 of the Law on Foreigners. The decision was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 81/2018 of 26 October 2018 and came into force on the date of its publication for nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and the Commonwealth of Dominica. For nationals of Trinidad and Tobago the decision took effect on 3 November 2018.

Nationals of the above-mentioned states, all passport type holders, wishing to enter and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia for a period exceeding 90 days or to study, reside, take up employment or engage in a media activity or any other activity are required to apply for a visa prior to entering the territory of the Republic of Serbia.