In a significant act of religious unity and reverence, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has delivered a sacred relic to the city of Kratovo in northeast North Macedonia. The relic comprises the remains of the highly venerated Balkan saint, Martyr Georgi of Kratovo, dating back to the 16th century.

On February 25, 2024, a Divine Liturgy was conducted jointly at the local St. George the New Church by the hierarchs of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The celebratory occasion included a procession and drew the participation of hundreds of faithful, as reported by the Macedonian Church's information portal, liturgija.mk.

Metropolitan Gregory of Kumanovo-Osogovo (MOC-OA) extended an invitation to Metropolitan Jacob of Dorostol (BPC), Metropolitan Ilarion of Bregalnica, and clergy from MOC-OA to commemorate the 16th-century saint. Before the commencement of the service, Metropolitan Jacob presented the reliquary containing a portion of the saint's relics as a gift to the St. George Church of Kumanovo-Kratovo district. The sacred relic was received by Metropolitan Gregory and is now enshrined in the church for veneration.

Saint Georgi of Kratovo, also known as George the New, was born around 1497 in the city of Kratovo when the present-day North Macedonia was part of the Ottoman Empire. According to tradition, he was imprisoned for refusing to convert to Islam, enduring severe torture while remaining steadfast in his faith. He ultimately perished in the flames. The rapid spread of his veneration is evidenced by his depiction in icons. Notably, in 1550, Hegumen Paisius presented icons featuring Saint Georgi to Tsar Ivan the Terrible, marking the saint's early recognition.

The construction of a dedicated church in Kratovo in 1925 further attests to the enduring reverence for Saint Georgi in his hometown. This recent transfer of relics underscores the cultural and religious ties between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, fostering a shared celebration of their common heritage.