Consul General of the Republic of Serbia, Vladimir Božović, PhD, celebrated his family’s patron saint day (Slava) together with his family

The solemn liturgy and the ritual blessing of the Slava bread were performed by Protopriest Živojin Jakovljević and Father Milan Dragović from the Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Sava in New York, as well as Father Đokan Majstorović from the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Paterson. Their prayers and blessings brought special spiritual strength to this important family celebration.

His Grace, the Right Reverend Irinej, Bishop of Washington-New York and Eastern America, also attended the ceremonial reception. In his inspiring address, he emphasized the profound significance of the Church, the Orthodox faith, and the preservation of the Serbian tradition of Slava as the most beautiful expression of community and spirituality.

During his speech, Consul General Božović highlighted that Saint Luke is a symbol of spiritual strength, faith, and hope, and that Orthodoxy forms the foundation of Serbian identity, connecting Serbs wherever they live.

Before the ceremonial lunch, Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe addressed the guests with words that brought smiles to all:

“In New York, I am particularly honored to be able to call His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović and his wonderful family my friends! Everyone in life needs a Serbian best friend.”

The celebration was attended by numerous consuls general, including representatives from South Africa, Romania, Slovakia, the Philippines, Bulgaria, Peru, Greece, and Georgia. Special recognition was given to Maia Bartaia, Consul General of Georgia and Chair of the Committee of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York, who extended sincere congratulations to the host and emphasized the importance of cultivating cultural values within diplomatic circles.

Among the distinguished guests were Gloria Star Kins, editor of Society & Diplomatic Review, who, in her inspiring remarks, underscored the importance of spiritual and cultural ties among nations, John Catsimatidis, the well-known Greek-American businessman and friend of the Serbian community, Katie Igen from the Office of Foreign Missions NYC, who offered warm words of support, and Bogdan Tešović, President of the Serbian Club in New York, to whom the Consul General expressed special gratitude for his continued collaboration and support of the Serbian community in the city.

The ceremonial moments were further enriched by artistic performances, including a dance by Japanese artist Kanami Kusajima and a violin interpretation by Dr. Yevgeniy Dyo, a Korean-born artist from Kazakhstan. Their performance combined tradition and contemporary art in a moving and elevated manner, showing how music and movement can bridge all cultural differences.

As Prince Mario-Max aptly noted at the end of the evening, “Everyone in life needs a Serbian best friend”—and this event was precisely that: demonstrating how Serbian tradition, faith, and hospitality bring people of different cultures together in a spirit of respect, understanding, and genuine friendship.

The patron saint celebration at the residence of Consul General Božović once again stood as a testament to the deep connection between faith, family, and culture, representing Serbia as a country that passes on its spiritual and cultural heritage in the most dignified way, building bridges of friendship around the world.

You can view His Highness Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe’s perspective on this ceremonial event in the attachment:

https://t2conline.com/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe.../