Christmas liturgy in Sarajevo

Sarajevo, 9. 1. 1996. (IKA) – Vrh-Bosnia Archbishop Vinko Cardinal Puljiæ was
present at Christmas liturgy lead by Dabro-Bosnia metropolitan Nikolaj at Sarajevo Orthodox church of St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Representative of the Jewish community, remained in the town, European representative for civil questions in Sarajevo Karl Bildt and French ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina Yves Godel were also present at the Christmas liturgy. “Let us hold our heads straight up… Let us not abandon the faith”, said metropolitan Nikolaj to the gathered believers in his
Cristmas liturgy, the first he has held in Sarajevo since 1992 when he had been named for the head of Serbian Orthodox Church in Bosnia. He also called them “to make the first step towards reconciliation”. At the end of the liturgy, metropolitan Nikolaj has greeted the honorable guests.
Christmas reception has been performed after the Christmas liturgy. Haris Silajdžiæ joined it interceding for “spirit of Bosnian cooperation” and “secular” character of the state.
Metropolitan Nikolaj had chosen Sokolac for his temporary see, while the
circumstances in Sarajevo do not allowed him to move to that city. He came in escort of French soldiers, members of IFOR, to the Christmas liturgy and French agents dressed in civil were engaged for his security