Archbishop Stefan awarded Grand Charter of Humanism after 40 years in monastic life
The archbishop marked 40 years since his tonsure and used the ceremony to stress unity, service and further outreach with other Orthodox churches.
Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia g.g. Stefan received the Grand Charter of Humanism on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his monastic vows, in a ceremony held today in Ohrid.
In his remarks after accepting the honour, the archbishop framed true humanism as service to others and to peoples, citing the legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius as well as Saints Clement and Naum as guiding examples.
Faith, history and diplomacy
Stefan recalled that he entered monastic life in 1986 on the feast of Saint Naum, and that the award was given to him forty years later on a day dedicated to Saint Clement and the Seven Saints. He noted that Clement and Naum worked from opposite shores of Lake Ohrid yet remained united by their mission.
Speaking about the meaning of their work, the archbishop said: "Their work, their activity is in fact humanism, helping the other, helping the peoples." He added that Saints Clement and Naum were "always together in thought and in deeds... they continued to be humane, to be humanists, compassionate, and above all God‑loving."
Looking back on four decades in monastic and episcopal service, Stefan thanked the faithful and members of the Holy Archiepiscopal Synod for the accomplishments of recent years, singling out the restoration of the autocephalous status of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric and the establishment of relations with a large number of other Orthodox churches.
He expressed hope the process of normalising relations will continue with those churches where questions remain over the church's name and history. "Let us hope that we will understand our love for people and our humanism, that we do nothing against others by doing for ourselves," the archbishop said, before closing with a call that humanism be sustained collectively: "Let humanism continue to live with our help, with the help of all of us."
Photo: Слободен печат - Драган Митрески
