01.08.2025.
Delegation led by Minister Gašić attends state ceremony honouring the memory and legacy of Despot Stefan Lazarević
Today, the Minister of Defence, Bratislav Gašić, led a delegation representing the Committee of the Government of the Republic of Serbia for Nurturing the Traditions of the Liberation Wars of Serbia at the state ceremony honouring the memory and legacy of Despot Stefan Lazarević, held at the Manasija Monastery near Despotovac. He also attended the monastery’s patronal feast day celebration.
The Committee delegation included the Minister of Culture, Nikola Selaković, and the State Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, Zoran Antić. The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Environmental Protection, Sara Pavkov, along with representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, representatives of other ministries, local self-government officials, and numerous faithful.
The Divine Hierarchical Liturgy was celebrated by the Most Reverend Archbishop of Požarevac and Metropolitan of Braničevo Ignatije, along with Bishop of London and Great Britain-Ireland Nektarije and Vicar Bishop of Toplica Petar, in concelebration with the clergy of the Eparchy.Following the Divine Liturgy and the ceremonial breaking of the Slava bread, Minister Gašić and members of the delegation venerated the holy relics of Despot Stefan Lazaravić by bowing and kissing them.
The Government Committee for Nurturing the Traditions of the Liberation Wars of Serbia adopted a decision last year to officially commemorate the legacy of Despot Stefan Lazarević on August 1 at the Manasija Monastery. This commemoration aims to preserve historical memory and honour one of the most significant rulers, military leaders and patrons of the Church in Serbian history.
