In a magnificent gathering, in front of the Djurdjevi Stupovi monastery, people of the Vasojevic clan organized a welcoming party for His Grace Bishop Joanikije of Budimlye-Niksic on Sunday evening, 17 May 2020, who was held in custody for 72 hours together with other seven priests.
Many Berane residents gathered to greet their bishop who returned from Niksic after being released from custody, where he together with other seven priests of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro spent 72 hours due to participating in celebrations and processions in honor of the greatly beloved St. Basil of Ostrog during the period of coronavirus quarantine.
Expressing respect to the bishop, the faithful lined up, forming the greeting “Welcome, Vladyka” and spread a flag more than ten meters long.
The faithful gathered in a great number, and with respect and love for their competent Bishop and Church, expressed their joy by shouting: We give up our lives, but sacred places not! Bishop, our pride, we will defend our sacred places! Long Live the Bishop! We want prayer processions!
In his hierarchal sermon, Bishop Joanikije thanked those present for the support and love which were expressed for their faith, Church, clergy and for him personally as well.
