Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Mr Amfilohije was buried today in the crypt of the Temple of Christ’s Resurrection in Podgorica. Several thousand citizens attended the funeral of the Metropolitan. Liturgy and requiem were served by the Patriarch Irinej. Numerous political leaders from the country and the region, Mr Zdravko Krivokpaić and Mr Aleksa Bečić, among others, paid their tribute to the Metropolitan. Academic, Mr Matija Bećković, delivered a speech as well as Bishop of Budimlje and Nikšić, Mr Joanikije. Liturgies and the funeral was attended also by Mr Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia and Serbian member of the Presidency of Bosnia &Herzegovina (B&H), Mr Milorad Dodik.
13.55
The funeral of the Metropolitan Amfilohije followed after the speeches.
13.52
Bishop of Budimlje and Nikšić, Mr Joanikije, said that arrival of many important persons was a great consolation.
“When we cry together, it’s much easier. Montenegro is crying with reason. But the crying will turn into joy”, Mr Joanikije said.
He said that Mr Amfilohije has renewed Montenegro and its temples.
13.30
“I was hoping that Mr Amfilohije will honor my name at my funeral. But heavens have decided otherwise , although I know I will not be able to do that the way he would to that”, Mr Matija Bećković said.
Mr Bećković said that with love and honesty, Mr Amfilohije had prayed for Montenegro and Montenegrins to return to their dignity.
As he said, he was a hero of Kosovo, a hero who used to bury martyrs of Kosovo with his bare hands.
“The world has never seen such cry as “We defend our holy structures”. Montenegro is determined to heal itself”, Mr Bećković said.
13.20
Mr Zdravko Krivokpaić, prime minister-designate, said in his speech that Mr Amfilohije had united them all in faith and love.
“Every meeting with you was a joy. And the one before 30 August was the special. That hug you gave me that night, I will remember as long as I live”, Mr Krivokapić said.
He stated that this was a great loss for the entire orthodoxy.
13.13
Mr Aleksa Bečić, President of the Parliament, said:
“You had the Holy in you. Sharp in your expression, but soft in your actions”, Mr Bečić said.
Mr Bečić hopes that Mr Amfilohije will be the last Bishop to defend “the church from his own people”.
“May you rest in peace in our Podgorica, in Montenegro, the most beautiful country in the world… Take care of Montenegro with your blessings. Just like you did every time when others tried to undermine it. May long live reconciliation and may long live Montenegro”, Mr Bečić said.
13.09
Serbian Patriarch, Mr Irinej, said in his speech that the people had gathered to say goodbye to Mr Amfilohije where our “saint ancestors are and where we will be one day”.
According to the Patriarch, Mr Amfilohije “shrank weeds on the Holy land”, renewing what was abandoned and neglected.
“What is the most important is what Amfilohije left to his people – love for Kosovo and Metohija. I would finally like to remind you of his great will- the renewal of the chapel of Njegoš. May this be his testament to believing Serbian people in Montenegro”, Mr Irinej said.
11.45
In line with the protocol, catafalque is exposed in front of the Temple.
11.00
Serbia’s president, Mr Aleksandar Vučić, and Serbian member of the B&H Presidency, Mr Milorad Dodik, arrive to attend the funeral of the Metropolitan Amfilohije. Head of the Pulmonary clinic, Dr Jelena Borovinić-Bojović, will also attend the liturgy. Mr Vučić was accompanied by Mr Andrija Mandić and Mr Milan Kneževič, DF members.
10.15
Mr Irinej said that it “is not true that Mr Amfilohije died due to coronavirus”.
“Metropolitan won that battle with that virus after 11 days, but his organism and physical fragility could not withstand the temptation”, he said.
10.00
Serbian Patriarch, Mr Irinej, is serving the liturgy and the requiem.
Many MPs, political leaders, representatives and functionaries of Montenegrin municipalities, representatives of Montenegrin institutions and institutions of the countries in the region attend the liturgy.
7.00
Bishop of Bačka, Mr Irinej, will deliver speech during the liturgy. After the requiem, Mr Irinej, Mr Matija Bećković, Mr Zdravko Krivokapić, Mr Aleksa Bečić as well as administrator of the Metropolitanate, Mr Joanikije, will deliver speeches after the requiem.
Metropolitan Amfilohije passed away on Friday, 30 November, in the Clinical Center of Montenegro.
