Rector of the Belgrade University Professor Dr. Vladimir Bumbusarevic handed over the honorary degree. Dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology Professor Dr. Predrag Puzovic exposed the life and work of Patriarch Kirill, whereas His Grace Bishop Dr. Irinej Bulovic, ordinary Professor of theology, presented reasons why the Faculty of Orthodox Theology had decided to launch a proposal for Patriarch Kirill to receive the honorary degree. He said that the Patriarch became doctor honoris causa due to his overall scientific work and contribution to improvement of theological science, especially in advocating for the establishment of close links between theology as a science and the mission of the Church in society.
Having received the Diploma of Honorary Doctor of the Belgrade University, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia addressed the audience, whom he reminded of the centuries-old ties of the two close Orthodox peoples, Serbian and Russian. He indicated what these two peoples had given each other throughout history. He reminded how Belgrade and Serbia were bombed in 1999, since he had watched that with his own eyes while he happened to be in Serbia then. He also spoke about the mission of the Church, pointing out that contemporary Europe had renounced its own Christian tradition.
At the end of the ceremony the All-Russian Patriarch presented an icon of Christ the Saviour to the Belgrade University, one luxurious monograph on Russian Patriarchs and many of his books.
Patriarch Kirill arrived at the Solemn hall of the Rectorate along with his host Patriarch Irinej and many bishops of the Russian and Serbian Churches. In the Solemn hall there were present many bishops and priests of the Serbian Orthodox Church, representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, many academicians, senators of the Belgrade University, faculty deans, vice-deans, professors and students, cultural and political dignitaries.
