Đakovo, November 20, 2000 (IKA) — On Saturday, November 18, Catholic Bishop Marin Srakić was visited at his residence by four episcopes of the Serbian Orthodox Church: the episcope of Osijek-Poland and Baranja, Lukijan Vlađulov of Dalj; the episcope of Srijem, Vasilje Vadić of Srijemski Karlovac; the episcope of Bačka, Irinej Bulović of Novi Sad; and the episcope of Zvornik-Tuzla, Vasilije Kačavendu of Tuzla. This was a return visit by the Serbian Orthodox episcopes following a visit by Bishop Srakić on February 4, 2000 to Dalj. Bishop Srakić, Auxiliary Bishop Đuro Gašparović and retired Bishop Ćiril Kos received the guests, first in the cathedral where Bishop Srakić greeted them and invited them to join in prayer. In Bishop Srakić’s greeting, he also expressed the wish for this meeting to be “a small contribution from our side so that the evil we suffered never occurs again … Our faithful are looking at us, their shepherds, to see how we behave, how we relate toward one another, not only in words but by example,” said Bishop Srakić. He also mentioned that this meeting was occurring during the celebration of the Great Jubilee of the 2000th year since the birth of Christ and pointed out: “Christ has entrusted us with the task of proclaiming Him credibly by our words and lives.”
In the name of the Serbian Orthodox episcopes present, Episcope Irinej addressed Bishop Srakić. He expressed satisfaction at being received in the cathedral and in the spirit of the gospel of Christ, pointing out: “With both our hands and hearts, we sign our names to each one of your words.” There followed ecumenical prayer led by the chancellor of the Đakovo-Srijem Diocese, Luka Strgar, and all sang the Lord’s Prayer together. The guests then visited the grave of Bishop Strossmayer in the cathedral crypt. At the bishop’s residence, the guests remained for a conversation lasting an hour. They exchanged opinions regarding the Religious Communities Act that is being prepared; mentioned the importance of the meetings thus far at this level; and spoke of the need for cooperation in restoring church buildings and protecting their dignity, especially those which were damaged during the war. In the continuation of the visit, Bishop Srakić showed the guests the building of the College of Theology in Đakovo, the Central Diocesan Library under construction and the Theology Seminary.