On Saturday, 4th October 2025, Archbishop Ioannis of the Orthodox Metropolis of Zambia and Mozambique, hosted a formal luncheon in honour of the newly accredited Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Zambia, Her Excellency Jasna Zrnorvić, at the residence of the Metropolis in Lusaka.
The distinguished gathering was attended by several High Commissioners, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Consuls, and other eminent personalities, who came together in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect to mark the occasion.
In his formal address, His Eminence Archbishop Ioannis extended a warm welcome to all invited guests and conveyed the paternal blessings of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, to Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia.
Patriarchates of Alexandria and Serbia share a longstanding and fraternal relationship; Archbishop Ioannis
His Eminence further underlined the longstanding and fraternal relationship that exists between the Patriarchate of Alexandria and the Patriarchate of Serbia under His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije, a relationship founded upon the principles of faith, goodwill, and pastoral cooperation.
Archbishop Ioannis emphasized the pivotal role of the Church in fostering peace, harmony, and unity among peoples, asserting that it is the sacred duty of all to serve with humility and love rather than division. He encouraged all present, particularly members of the diplomatic and consular corps, to carry out their respective mandates in Zambia with compassion and a spirit of service to the Zambian people.
In his reflections, His Eminence highlighted the enduring friendship and collaboration among the Balkan nations, which he noted have always been characterized by solidarity and mutual understanding. He expressed his hope that these ties would continue to strengthen, with divine blessing, for the benefit of their peoples.
The Archbishop also drew attention to the historical significance of the residence of the Orthodox Metropolis, noting that it was formerly the property of Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, the First President of the Republic of Zambia.
His Eminence paid tribute to Dr. Kaunda’s remarkable legacy of love, peace, and dedication to humanity, urging all to emulate his exemplary service to the nation and to the cause of unity. He also warmly acknowledged the presence of Mr. Tilyenji Kaunda, son of the late President, who honoured the occasion with his attendance.
Reaffirmation of cordial relationship between Serbia and Zambia by the new Ambassador
In her address, Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, expressed sincere gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Ioannis for hosting the luncheon, describing it as a meaningful opportunity to interact with members of the Diplomatic Corps and other distinguished guests in an atmosphere of friendship and fraternity.
Her Excellency reaffirmed her commitment to further strengthening the cordial relations that exist between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Zambia, recalling the historical bonds of friendship between Zambia and the former Yugoslavia, whose cooperation contributed significantly to Zambia’s development and international partnerships.
She expressed her personal resolve to uphold and advance those ideals through continued engagement, mutual respect, and collaborative effort, aimed at promoting peace and prosperity for both nations. Her Excellency concluded by extending her appreciation to all present for their participation and goodwill, and by expressing her optimism for the deepening of bilateral and multilateral relations in the spirit of unity and shared purpose.
Source: Orthodox Metropolis of Zambia; Photo credit: Miloš Randjelovic, Sotiris Chronis
