Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Vladimir Božović, PhD, attended the commemoration of Vidovdan in Paterson

29. Jun 2025.
At the invitation of the Church-School Congregation and the Church of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, New Jersey, and with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America, the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Dr. Vladimir Božović, together with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander, attended the solemn Divine Liturgy at the church, followed by a memorial service (Parastos) for Holy Tsar Lazar and the Kosovo martyrs at the Serbian Estate in New Jersey.

Following the memorial service, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of Vidovdan and the strength of our sacred covenant.

He was followed by Consul General Dr. Vladimir Božović, who highlighted the significance and symbolism of Vidovdan, especially here in America and among the diaspora. Vidovdan represents the finest examples of our faith, history, culture, and tradition—values we must preserve, nurture, and promote through modern means, without departing from the essence and foundations rooted in the sacred Kosovo covenant. As always, Dr. Božović emphasized the positive examples of the Kosovo Holy Martyrs—St. Tsar Lazar and St. Sava—as well as contemporary saints and role models such as Saint Bishop Nikolaj, Nikola Tesla, and Mihajlo Pupin, who lived and created here in New York and the United States. He underscored the importance of gratitude to this great country and the American people and expressed his thanks to Crown Prince Alexander for his presence, highlighting the positive values represented by the Karadjordjević Crown. In alignment with the messages of unity delivered by both the Crown Prince and Father Đokan during the church service, Dr. Božović called for Serbian unity, mutual solidarity, forgiveness, and understanding.

The program was especially enriched by young Petar, who recited the poem Vidovdan by the late Metropolitan Amfilohije.

The gathering concluded with a festive agape meal at the beautiful Serbian Estate, with the hope that next year’s celebration will bring together even more participants.