Podgorica, (MINA) - President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic has posthumously awarded the Order of the Montenegrin Grand Star, the highest national honor that Montenegro can award to its citizen, to Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral.

According to the press release from the President’s office, the award was granted to Amfilohije for his enormous contribution to strengthening Montenegro’s international reputation, as well as for preserving spiritual traditions, fostering social peace and shaping one of the most important chapters of modern Montenegrin history.

“In complex historical moments for Montenegro, when emotions were high and divisions deep, his call for peace and dignity was a voice of reason that helpedMontenegro preserving dignity and common faith in a better future”, said Milatovic.

He said that during challenging periods, such as the 2006 independence referendum, Amfilohije made an immeasurable contribution to preserving peace and stability, always calling for unity, reason and mutual respect.

Milatovic reiterated that, under Amfilohije’s leadership, the 2019 and 2020 processions became a symbol of peaceful civil resistance and an expression of people's need to have their dignity heard and respected.

“That’s why today, on behalf of the state of Montenegro, with deep respect and gratitude, I posthumously award the Order of the Grand Star of Montenegro to Metropolitan Amfilohije for his contribution to the preservation of the spiritual and cultural traditions of Montenegro and his advocacy for peace and unity in crucial historical moments”, said Milatovic.

The President’s office announced that Metropolitan Amfilohije’s brother Pavic Radovic attended the ceremony on behalf of the Radovic family.

“At the request and with the consent of the family, the Order was presented to Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, who thanked the President for awarding the honor and for “recognizing the great merits of our blessed Metropolitan Amfilohije”, the press release states.