Podgorica, (MNINA) – By awarding the highest national order to the late Metropolitan Amfilohije, Montenegro will express its appreciation for his work, said the country’s president, Jakov Milatovic.

He told TV Vijesti that by deciding to grant the order to Amfilohije, he did not violate the law and that it is not uncommon for state honors to be awarded to members of clergy.

Milatovic explained that Metropolitan Amfilohije was the key figure who called for unity during a key period of Montenegro’s modern history, which is why Montenegro preserved peace.

“Think about the time of the referendum, I think that it was priceless. An Orthodox bishop, one of the most educated in the Orthodox world and someone who raised Montenegro’s reputation in the Christian world”, stated Milatovic.

According to him, Montenegro was visited by almost all patriarchs from the Orthodox world because of Amfilohije’s work.

“He played a key role in the democratization of Montenegro in the sense of replacing the decade-long government that was linked with organized crime and corruption”, said Milatovic.

Milatovic will officially posthumously decorate Amfilohije on Friday, marking the fifth anniversary of his death.