Since 2020, the feast day of Saint Sava Nemanja, the first Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church, has been recognized as the official celebration of the Serbian minority in Romania.
The institution of Saint Sava’s Day was initiated by Deputy Adnagi Slavoliub of the Union of Serbs in Romania, according to Agerpres.
On January 27, in line with the provisions of this law, central and local public administration authorities, their subordinate or affiliated institutions, civil society, or private individuals and organizations may organize or participate in cultural, educational, artistic, social, or scientific programs and events dedicated to promoting the Serbian minority in Romania.
Saint Sava Nemanja
Saint Sava Nemanja was the first Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the founder of Serbian schools, statehood, and diplomacy.
“Saint Sava is the historical and religious figure most highly esteemed and honoured by the Serbian minority in Romania and Serbs worldwide,” stated Deputy Adnagi Slavoliub in his legislative proposal.
One of his most significant accomplishments was securing autocephaly for the Serbian Church.
Relations between Serbs and Romanians are fostered both at the state and church levels.
The Serbian Orthodox Church has a Diocese in Romania, based in Timișoara, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Lukijan Pantelić of the Serbian Diocese of Buda, who also manages the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Timișoara.
The Romanian Orthodox Church also has a Diocese in Serbia, the Diocese of Dacia Felix, serving Romanians living in historic communities on Serbian territory and vouchsafing the cultural and religious identity of Romanians in Serbia.
On Saturday, the Serbian community in Arad honoured Saint Sava Nemanja, with Archbishop Timotei of Arad attending the event.
Photo: Facebook / Serbian Union in Arad
