Zagreb, November 28, 2002 (IKA) — On November 27, the president of the Republic of Croatia, Stjepan Mesic, visited the Zagreb headquarters of the Metropolitan of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) in Croatia, where he spoke with the SOC hierarchy, according to a statement issued by the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia. In addition to Metropolitan Jovan of Zagreb-Ljubljana and all of Italy, the meeting was attended by Bishop Lukijan of Osijek-Poland and Baranja, Bishop Fotije of Dalmatia and Bishop Sava of Slavonia.
On the occasion of this meeting, the hierarchy of the Serbian Orthodox Church spoke to President Mesic about the relationship between the SOC and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, noting positive achievements and a desire to continue good cooperation with the representatives of the Croatian authorities. There was particular mention of the rapid return of property to the SOC and the restoration of Orthodox sacral objects. Metropolitan Jovan expressed satisfaction regarding the contract to be signed between the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Government of the Republic of Croatia, which will regulate all other open questions regarding the activity of the SOC. Furthermore, during the conversation there was also mention of the cultural cooperation between Croatia and Yugoslavia and the role of the SOC in preserving the cultural, national and religious identity of the Serbs in Croatia. In speaking about the new constitutional act on national minorities, it was noted that this act emphasizes principles of civil equality and mutual respect, especially regarding certain details of concern to minorities. Separate protection of minorities in compliance with international standards can only be a positive gain for our society and its democratic profile.
The statement also noted that President Mesic visited the newly constructed ortodox Church of the Holy Transfiguration at Petar Preradovic Square, after which a dinner was held in his honor by Metropolitan Jovan.