Commemoration of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia | Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York

A formal reception was held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York to mark the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia — Sretenje — paying tribute to Serbia’s statehood, its rich historical heritage, its respected position in the international community, as well as its relations and partnership with the United States of America.

Approximately 100 guests attended the reception, including members of the diplomatic and consular corps, representatives of the City of New York, the Serbian Orthodox Church, Serbian organizations and diaspora representatives, as well as numerous distinguished guests.

The commemoration of Serbia’s National Day and Sretenje began with the participation of the entire staff of the Consulate General, led by Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Vladimir Božović, PhD, at the festive Divine Liturgy held at the Cathedral Church of St. Sava in New York. Following the liturgy and the ceremonial observance of the patron-saint celebration, a reception was organized in cooperation with the St. Sava Church-School Congregation, marking the holiday in a spirit of unity with the Serbian community.

During the reception, Consul General Vladimir Božović, PhD, delivered an address emphasizing that Sretenje represents two foundational moments in Serbian history — the beginning of the First Serbian Uprising in 1804 and the adoption of the Sretenje Constitution in 1835, one of the most progressive constitutions in Europe at the time — symbolizing Serbia’s enduring commitment to freedom, statehood, and constitutionalism.

In his remarks, the Consul General noted that this year also marks an important milestone — the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America — emphasizing that the Serbian people have long respected the values of freedom and democracy and have nurtured a longstanding friendship with the United States. He particularly highlighted the contribution of the Serbian community in America, which has left a significant mark on American society through industry, science, culture, the arts, and sports — from Đorđe Šagić, Mihajlo Pupin, and Karl Malden, to Charles Simić, Senator George Voinovich, Congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley, Marina Abramović, and Nikola Jokić.

Special attention in the address was devoted to the legacy of Nikola Tesla, the visionary inventor who proudly carried his Serbian heritage while also being a proud American citizen, whose life symbolizes the meeting of talent and opportunity and represents a lasting bond between Serbia and the United States. In this context, it was noted that this year also marks the 170th anniversary of Tesla’s birth.

Speaking about contemporary relations, the Consul General emphasized that more than 140 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the United States form the foundation of a strong partnership now entering a new and more ambitious phase through the establishment of a Strategic Dialogue and the further strengthening of economic and investment cooperation, particularly in the fields of information technology, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and healthcare.

In concluding his address, the Consul General recalled that the very word “Sretenje” means encounter — an encounter of history and the future, of nations and friends, of Serbia and the world — emphasizing the importance of peace, cooperation, and shared progress, and noting that, while remembering the historic moments that laid the foundations of the modern Serbian state and strengthened the ideals of freedom and constitutionalism, Serbia continues to build its future based on peace, stability, cooperation, and unity.

Following the Consul General’s remarks, Kathy Eagen, Director of the Office of Foreign Missions at the U.S. Department of State (Department of State – Office of Foreign Missions, OFM), addressed the guests, congratulating the National Day of the Republic of Serbia and highlighting the importance of successful cooperation with the Consulate General, as well as the contribution of the Serbian community to strengthening friendly relations between Serbia and the United States.

The ceremonial program was complemented by performances of the national anthems of the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America, performed by members of the Cathedral Church of St. Sava Choir, Mira Begović and Srđan Maksimović. The musical program featured the String Quartet of the United Nations Symphony Orchestra, as well as trumpet soloist Danijela Veselinović, whose performances of Serbian compositions added a special ceremonial note to the celebration.

Following the formal program, guests had the opportunity to enjoy traditional Serbian specialties and continue socializing in a warm and festive atmosphere.