Today, at the opening of the 17th Gospojina Festivities, Kragujevac Mayor Nikola Dašić received the Order of Vožd Karađorđe, one of the Eparchy of Šumadija’s significant honors.
The order was presented to him at the Cathedral Church in Kragujevac by His Eminence Jovan, Archbishop of Kragujevac and Metropolitan of Šumadija, in recognition of his great love for the Holy Church and the Eparchy of Šumadija.
Thanking those who presented him with the recognition, Dašić said the Order of Vožd Karađorđe represents a great honor for him, but also a responsibility. 
“I was raised to respect the Serbian Orthodox Church, and I try, in every possible way, to contribute to its preservation and work. Especially considering its immeasurable role throughout history in preserving our spiritual and national identity. When you receive such recognition from the Church, it truly is an honor,” Dašić said.
He recalled that for centuries the Serbian Orthodox Church had been a place around which people gathered, celebrated and mourned, found spiritual strength and preserved their faith, culture and national identity.
“I see this high recognition as an incentive to continue serving my city, my people and the values that bring us together, preserve us and connect us, with even greater dedication. It does not belong only to me. I share it with all the people who work devotedly for the well-being of Kragujevac and our community, people with whom I share a commitment to Kragujevac,” the mayor said.
The 17th Gospojina Festivities began on the occasion of the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God — Velika Gospojina — the patronal feast of the Cathedral Church in Kragujevac. The event is held under the patronage of the City of Kragujevac and will offer visitors a rich spiritual, cultural and artistic program over the coming weeks.
Source and Photo: Secretariat for Communications – Kragujevac
