28.06.2011.

Signing the agreement on performing religious service in the military

Minister Sutanovac and Serbian Patriarch Irinej signed at the the Army Club in Nis an "Agreement on the performance of religious services in the Army of Serbia and the Serbian Orthodox Church." The agreement regulates the mutual relations between Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Orthodox Church in connection with the conduct of religious services in the Serbian Army.

Sutanovac said that this document introduced the first Army officers priests, which is in line with the Serbian tradition and experience of modern armies. He recalled that the Serbian Orthodox Church already has officers in the armies of-priests of other countries - the Netherlands, the United States and Great Britain.

Sutanovac said that establishing as a religious service the needs of the Army of Serbia and that the priests tasked to tend to the spiritual needs of officers have to be highly educated as well as to undergo officer training. He said members of the Army of Serbia shall be representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church to pay according to their priestly title.

Defence Minister added that the initial rank of the priests in the Army was that of a captain, and that theoretically they can rise up to the rank of colonel. He said that in the coming months same agreements with representatives of six other traditional churches and communities would be signed.

Patriarch Irinej blessed the Agreement and pointed out that he was signing a "historical agreement not only for the SPC, but also for the Army of Serbia.

The introduction of the chaplains will also enable the introduction of traditional culture and spirituality in our army and the chaplains will bring a higher quality of life and military service and while raising patriotic duty to a higher level.

"May it be blessed," said Patriarch Irenej and reminded the present of the symbolism of the agreement just signed on St. Vitus Day - National Holiday of the people and the church.

Sutanovac attended the evening at the Saborna Church of Nis where the Vidovdan Academy was held . On that occasion, Serbian Patriarch Irinej presented the highest honor of Nis Bishopy- The Order of Saint Constantine for his attitude toward the church and its people.

Thanking for the medal, Sutanovac said that it was a great honor for him and that he came to Nis with the patriarch "to finish this historical work" - the signing of the performance of religious services in the Serbian Army.

On the eve of Vidovdan Academy, in front of Saborna Church of the Serbian Army Guard members performed egzercir in the presence Serbian Orthodox Church dignitaries and citizens of Nis.