Vukovar, March 18, 1998 (IKA) – A meeting of Catholic and Orthodox priests active in the territory of Hrvatsko Podunavlje [the Croatian Danube River Valley] was held on March 17 in Vukovar. Catholic priests from the Djakovo-Srijem Diocese were led by Bishop Marin Srakic and the Orthodox priests were led by Vladika (Bishop) Lukijan of Osijek-Polje-Baranja and Vladika Vasilije of Srijem-Karlovac. After the opening prayers of the meeting, Bishop Srakic said, “This meeting was not arranged for us to search the past and count the wounds caused by the recent war or measure the depth of distrust, but to consider what we servants of Christ can contribute to the building of peace and a happier future for all of us who live in the territories of Hrvatsko Podunavlje.” Asking, “Will it not seem to some that the wounds are nevertheless too deep for something to be done?”, the bishop emphasized that was for this reason that the meeting commenced with prayer, “because it is the path toward trust and reconciliation.” Vladika Lukijan, in connection with Bishop Srakic#!s words, said, “After many storms, spring has come, peace has come and we have gathered as God#!s co-workers, we bear witness to our parishioners that we can live in love. May God grant us the wisdom of Solomon, the zeal of the apostle Paul and the patience of the righteous Job, in order for us to overcome all the misfortune of this time more easily …” Each of the approximately seventy priests present introduced himself by name and office, adding his thoughts and proposals. All expressed satisfaction that the meeting had occurred. In the proposals, a desire for peace and cooperation for the good of the faithful was evident. As the meeting progressed, there was discussion on the needs and difficulties in the priestly pastoral activities of both Churches in the Podunavlje territory. There was also mention of catechism instruction, possibilities for the repair of destroyed or damaged churches, and other material problems. It was proposed that the official representatives of the Orthodox Church should contact Croatian government agencies directly regarding important and unresolved matters. The priests pointed out that there had already been instances of personal encounters, cooperation and assistance. They expressed the intention for such cooperation to continue and increase.
The meeting ended with the hymn Mariji Bogorodici [To Mary, Mother of God], led by the Orthodox priests.