Two wonderful days among our Serbian community in Elkins Park

It is difficult to put into words the warmth of the welcome, the hospitality, affection and respect shown to me by our people throughout the weekend.

I attended the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Very Reverend Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Milorad Orlić, received Holy Communion, and later held a working breakfast and meeting with Father Milorad and Ivan Živković, President of the Church-School Congregation.

Many members of our community approached me with trust and with questions concerning Serbian citizenship, passports, document certification and voting rights.

I emphasized once again that the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York is their home. We are not there merely to provide information, but to assist our citizens and help ensure that every lawful request is addressed in accordance with Serbian law.

Regarding the forthcoming parliamentary elections, I explained that all those wishing to vote abroad should register in a timely manner in accordance with the law. If more than 100 valid requests are submitted for Philadelphia and the statutory requirements are met, there is a possibility of opening a separate polling station there.

I was particularly moved by my conversations with older members of our community, who spoke about their families, their ties to Serbia and their strong desire to remain connected to their homeland.

My sincere thanks to Father Milorad Orlić, Ivan Živković, the Circle of Serbian Sisters, the Church Board, volunteers and all our hosts for an extraordinary welcome and for organizing a festival that brought together more than one thousand guests from Philadelphia, Washington, New Jersey and beyond.

Faith, Church, family, love for Serbia and unity remain the strongest foundations of our community in America. Thank you for your affection, respect and trust.