President of the Republic meets with His Eminence Bishop Jefrem of Banja Luka

The President of the Republic of Srpska Milorad Dodik met today in Banja Luka with His Eminence Bishop Jefrem of Banja Luka.

The President of the Republic stated that the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church is very important in these areas, because it preserves the identity and brings the people together.

On this occasion, they also discussed the possibilities of developing a joint programme between the government and the church on the construction of kindergartens within Orthodox facilities.

„In this way, we could develop the dimension the Church has, which is education in terms of the most valuable national values for the Serbian people”, said the President Dodik.

The President of Srpska pointed out that it was very important to keep religious education in schools regardless of certain tendencies to regulate this issue in a different way.

“We will continue to be committed to religious education remaining in schools”, said the President Dodik.

The President of the Republic stated that with Bishop Jefrem he had discussed the projects that are ongoing in the Diocese of Banja Luka, such as the Russian-Serbian temple in Banja Luka, the construction of which is being supported by the Republic of Srpska.

“I am proud of the fact that in recent years we have managed to build and restore more than 300 Orthodox buildings in this diocese. At the moment, more than ten churches are being built”, it was emphasized by the President Dodik.

The President of the Republic of Srpska pointed out that His Holiness the Serbian Patriarch Mr. Porfirije should visit the Eparchy of Banja Luka in August and that this will be an opportunity to discuss these topics again.