On Thursday, 23, 205, the Mayor of Teslić in Bosnia, Mr. Milan Miličević, hosted His Grace Bishop Sylvester of the Holy Diocese of Jinja and Eastern Uganda, who is visiting Teslić as part of his stay within the Diocese of Zvornik-Tuzla of the Serbian Orthodox Church, upon the invitation of Metropolitan Photios, the pressing Hierarch.
This visit represents an important spiritual and cultural event, as it marks Bishop Sylvester’s first time in Teslić, where he will deliver a lecture on Orthodoxy in Africa, missionary work, and the contemporary life of Orthodox Christians in Uganda.
Mayor Miličević emphasized that it is a great honor for Teslić to host a high-ranking ecclesiastical dignitary from Africa, underscoring the importance of mutual understanding and connection among Orthodox peoples throughout the world.
“It is both a great joy and honor for me, on behalf of the city, to welcome Bishop Sylvester today. We spoke about the remarkable and inspiring experiences of the Orthodox faithful in Uganda, about which little is known in our region. Such encounters contribute to strengthening spiritual bonds, sharing experiences, and fostering the prayerful unity of Orthodox believers, regardless of where they live,” Mayor Miličević stated.
His Grace Bishop Sylvester expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and conveyed his joy at being able to share with the Orthodox faithful in the Republic of Srpska testimonies from the life of Orthodox Christians in Uganda, where approximately 1.5 million believers live.
Bishop Sylvester said, “I am grateful for the cordial hospitality. I rejoice that the Orthodox people in Serbia and the Republic of Srpska show brotherly love and a readiness to support our mission in Uganda. Our Church in Uganda lives by faith and hope, and our bond with the Serbian people gives us strength.”
Visit of Bishop Sylvester from Uganda, a witness to the unity of Orthodoxy
The Archpriest of Teslić, Rev. Miladin Vuković, emphasized that this is a historic event for Teslić and the entire Diocese.
“The arrival of Bishop Sylvester bears witness to the unity of Orthodoxy and the universal mission of the Church throughout the world. This is a significant moment that reminds us that the Orthodox faith is alive among the peoples of Africa, where a great spiritual struggle is waged daily to preserve the truth of the Gospel,” Fr. Vuković noted.
In the coming days, Bishop Sylvester will continue his stay in Teslić and at the Health and Tourist Center Banja Vrućica. On Sunday, 26, he will concelebrate the Divine Hierarchical Liturgy together with His Eminence Metropolitan Photios at the Church of the Ascension of Our Lord in Banja Vrućica.
