On June 6, 2024, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije attended a ceremony at the History Museum in Belgrade where Metropolitan Damaskinos of Didymoteicho, Orestiada, and Sufli was awarded the Sretenje Order. The award was presented on behalf of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, by the Minister of Culture, Mr. Nikola Selaković.
Minister Selaković praised Metropolitan Damaskinos for his dedication to preserving the memory of the Battle of Maritsa and honoring the fallen Serbian and Christian rulers. He mentioned that the Metropolitan conducted the Divine Liturgy in Ormeni, praying for the souls of the warriors who died in the battle. Additionally, he organized literary events dedicated to Despot Jovan Uglješa Mrnjavčević.
Minister Selaković commended Metropolitan Damaskinos for supporting the construction of a temple next to the monument at the Battle of Maritsa site. This collaborative project involved the Brotherhood of the Holy Larva of the Simonopetra Monastery of Mount Athos. The Metropolitan also advocated for the canonization of Despot Jovan Uglješa, recognizing his significant role as the second founder of the Simonopetra monastery.
Metropolitan Damaskinos expressed his gratitude to President Vučić and Minister Selaković for the honor of receiving the Sretenje Order. He emphasized the message of unity conveyed by the Battle of Maritsa among the Christian peoples of the Balkans in their shared pursuit of Christian ideals and beliefs.
Source: Serbian Patriarchate
