CHURCH OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR ALL SERBS FROM KAKANJ

KAKANJ, November 9 /SRNA/ - His Eminence Metropolitan Hrizostom of Dabar-Bosnia stated that the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Kakanj is a source of pride for Serbs, and has, throughout its century-long existence, stood as a witness to difficult times for the Serbian people and the Serbian Orthodox Church /SOC/ in this region.

"This is an opportunity to remember those who founded and built this church, who preserved it, who prayed and took communion here, who gathered like we do today to glorify the name of the Lord," said Metropolitan Hrizostom during the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy marking 100 years since the consecration and completion of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Kakanj. The Metropolitan pointed out that the church was erected during the challenging times of the 20th century, with the blessing of the Holy Hieromartyr Petar, Metropolitan of Dabar-Bosnia. "But soon came the times of crime, genocide, and destruction during the Second World War, followed by godless atheism. Then again the war from 1992 to 1995, and all the way to the present day. Yet, who can stand against God? Perhaps no one expected that we Serbs would gather again here in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul - and behold the wonder of God!" the Metropolitan said. He noted that the Church of Saints Peter and Paul has never before been so well restored and adorned as it is today. "Glory be to God for all that He has granted us - for strengthening, above all, your parish priest, Prota Dragiša, as well as all of you, and all benefactors, donors, and people of good will who felt in their hearts the need to support this temple, which belongs not only to the town of Kakanj, but to every Serb, and even every citizen of this place," Metropolitan Hrizostom emphasized. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Kakanj was built in 1925 through the efforts and sacrifices of Orthodox believers in this area, and for a century has served as a spiritual anchor for Serbs in the Kakanj region. The idea of building the church dates back to the second half of the 19th century, when priest Gliša Mitrović served in this area. In 1884, priest Dimitrije Malešević submitted a request to Metropolitan Sava Kosanović for the construction of a church and parish home. The foundations were consecrated in 1924, and the works were completed the following year. The church was consecrated on October 11, 1925, by Metropolitan Petar Zimonjić, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the spiritual life of Serbs in Kakanj. A spiritual academy is scheduled tomorrow at the Kakanj Cultural Center, where Protojerej-Stavrofor Ranko Bilinac will speak about the church's history, followed by a performance by the Serbian Singing Society "Sloga". A monograph on the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Kakanj is also in preparation, with publication planned for next year.