Vidovdan session held in Gracanica: Kosovo is not a territory, but a history, homeland, and DNA

In the House of Culture in Gracanica, the traditional Vidovdan session of the Municipality of Gracanica and the Provisional Body of the Municipal Assembly of Pristina was held, which, in addition to representatives of those institutions, was attended by numerous officials from central Serbia and Montenegro.

The session commemorating the 634th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo began with the singing of the hymn "God's Justice" by the "Milutin" choir, conducted by Jelena Antic.

The secretary of the Eparchy of Raska-Prizren, Sasa Mitrovic, addressing the audience, conveyed the blessing of Bishop Teodosije.

He said that Kosovo was not a defeat and that one should be selfless.

"Vidovdan is the largest tomb of Christian martyrs killed in one day; it is a magnificent sacrifice of a nation, and that is why those who claimed that Kosovo was a defeat are wrong. If anyone suffered a defeat, it was Vuk Brankovic and not Prince Lazar... The bodies of other Kosovar martyrs are not lost, from their sanctified bodies the whole land of Kosovo-Metohija is also sanctified, it is the holy field of Kosovo. Listening to the word and the will of God, we should be selfless, brotherly loving, that's why we should remain what we should be, the people of God, the people of Saint Sava, the people of Saint Lazar," the secretary of the Eparchy of Raska and Prizren said.

The mayor of Trebinje, Mirko Djuric, pointed out that after six centuries of the Kosovo War, the Serbs in Kosovo were once again facing trials.

He conveyed the greetings of the president of the Banja Luka Committee for Aid to Kosovo and Metohija, Milorad Arlov, and pointed out that he had come to support the brothers from Kosovo.

"Following the message of Patriarch Pavle that every Serb is connected to Kosovo and Metohija, we must not forget that the greatest Serbian heroes, the leaders of the famous medieval state, were born here, they fought the most difficult battles for the survival of the people here.

Guided by patriotic sentiment and responsibility towards generations, our famous ancestors lost their lives for the bright future of Kosovo and Metohija. After more than six centuries of the Kosovo colors, we are facing trials in which the position of the Serbs is being re-examined.        In an attempt to move our national being outside the cradle of Serbia and geographical borders, far from centuries-old sanctuaries and the heart of the Orthodox tradition," Djuric pointed out.

As he stated, the holy land of Kosovo was the foundation of Serbian unity.

"Our mother Serbia is more than ever facing temptations to lead the people through the trials of the modern age. Tormented Kosovo and Metohija is an open wound for the people of Herzegovina, but also a consolation that walking in the footsteps of the fathers from the past, together they will find the strength to realize their right in a peaceful way to a peaceful life, work and living," Djuric added.

The president of the municipality of Gracanica, Ljiljana Subaric, welcomed the guests from Republika Srpska, Montenegro, and central Serbia, and pointed out that this Vidovdan was also being welcomed by the Serbs in Kosovo in an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and increased institutional pressure.

"Despite the challenges and temptations, we gathered to proudly mark a day that has special significance for us, because it represents a symbol of courage, togetherness, and resistance," Subaric said.

Vidodan was a symbol of our national pride and the permanent struggle for freedom, Subaric stated and added that every Vidodan in Gracanica was a new opportunity for the people to show their commitment to the Orthodox faith, tradition, and unity.

"Vidovdan is always an opportunity to reflect on the challenges, but regardless of everything, we showed courage and determination to remain our own. Vidovdan is an opportunity to remember and honor the victims of Kosovo and Metohija, those who lost their lives for freedom, for innocent victims, and to provide support for perseverance to all those who are imprisoned and waiting for freedom. Their courage and sacrifice should be an indicator of the value of life and the importance of preserving peace, let their courage and determination be our motivation to build a better future for our children and future generations," Subaric pointed out.

Novak Zivic, the president of the Provisional Authority of the City of Pristina, based in Gracanica, pointed out that in 1389, Serbia had bravely stood in defense of its people, which it was still doing now after six centuries.

"Even today, when we are experiencing Golgotha and injustice, we know that our only salvation is unity, in order to survive as a nation and as a whole with our country," Zivic said.

He added that Serbia was protecting the Kosovo Serbs from victims.

"Kosovo will not disappear, nor will we betray it. Kosovo is not a territory; it is history, a homeland. Kosovo is DNA, which lasts together with the people, the state, and the Church, but also rises again. The occupiers find different ways to torture imprison and persecute us, and we bandage the wounds and move on. Weak or strong, we must be dignified," Zivic said, who then awarded the "Vidovdan Charter" awards.

The winners of the award are the Elementary School "Miladin Mitic" from Laplje Selo for their success in competitions and contribution in the field of education, the Ensemble "Venac" for the successful preservation and presentation of tradition, the Ballet School of the Cultural Center "Gracanica" for successful cooperation and contribution in the cultural and artistic development of children and youth.

Dr. Sonja Kapetanovic, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, is the recipient of the Vidovdan charter for superhuman efforts and selfless provision of medical services.

On behalf of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, the assistant director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Milena Parlic, received the award for selfless care in institutions, as well as in tangible and intangible, cultural and religious heritage of Kosovo.

On the occasion of the solemn Vidovdan session, a rich cultural program was arranged. Milan Vasic, a member of the National Theater of Pristina based in Gracanica, accompanied by professor Nemanja Djordjevic on the piano, sang his song "Poleteo soko siví", while ballerinas from the Ballet School of the Cultural Center in Gracanica performed "Waltz of the Flowers" from the famous ballet "Nutcracker". The "Venac" ensemble showed its skills through dance and song this time, which closed the program of the Vidovdan session.