15.02.2026.
Central state ceremony marking Sretenje held in Orašac
The central state ceremony marking Sretenje (Candlemas), Serbia’s Statehood Day, was held today at the Monument to Vožd Karađorđe in Orašac.
The ceremony began with a memorial service for the rebels and a prayer for the nation, officiated by the Archbishop of Kragujevac and Metropolitan of Šumadija Jovan, in concelebration with the clergy. This was followed by the laying of wreaths at the Monument to Vožd Karađorđe by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Đuro Macut, and the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Savo Minić.Addressing those present, Prime Minister Macut highlighted that history teaches us “that those who do not know and value their roots will find it difficult to understand their path.”
- That is why today, in Orašac, a symbol of unity, we remember the moments in history when our people, throughout the centuries, demonstrated extraordinary courage, and when, under Karađorđe’s leadership, they set out on the path of preserving and liberating our country. Today, our hearts beat in unison with all Serbs, wherever they may be, in every place where our language is spoken, where our traditions are upheld and the memory of our ancestors is cherished. When the Sretenje Constitution was adopted during the time of Miloš Obrenović, it was already clear that our statehood had never been a given, but something that had been won through struggle. Therefore, the entire Serbian nation is pledged to protect the homeland entrusted to us by our ancestors – Prime Minister Macut said.He also stressed that, thanks to one of the most progressive constitutions of its time, the Sretenje Constitution, the foundations of the modern Serbian state were laid.
- Today, alongside our brothers from Republika Srpska and our people wherever they live, we celebrate a national holiday we are proud of and will always protect, just as we protect our hearths and homes. Serbia is now a strong state, moving forward - Prime Minister Macut said.The Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Savo Minić, noted that on this day we should remember the Serbian warrior who longed for freedom, and that at that time the Serbian people sought liberty and equality.
- No sacrifice is in vain if we honour it properly and it will not be remembered with pain and sorrow, but with pride, as we strengthen Republika Srpska, as we strengthen the Republic of Serbia, and as we teach future generations that every sacrifice deserves freedom and peace. This is not merely a tradition or a date. It is a reminder for every household, every person, every Orthodox Christian, every Serb that only by being free and united can we protect ourselves from all adversity – said the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Savo Minić.The state ceremony was attended by representatives of the National Assembly of Serbia, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska Nenad Stevandić, government ministers from Serbia and Republika Srpska, members of the collegiums of the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the General Staff, representatives of the Provincial Government, political representatives of Serbs in Montenegro and North Macedonia, representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, officials from state institutions, members of the diplomatic and military-diplomatic corps, cadets and students of military schools, and members of the public.
The central state ceremony marking Statehood Day is traditionally held in Orašac, with full state and military honours, as it was here that the decision to launch the uprising against the Turks was made.As part of Statehood Day celebrations, a formal event will also be held today in Kragujevac, with members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces in attendance.
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