On May 9, 2025, His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, met with Milorad Dodik, President of the Republika Srpska of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the Patriarchal Working Residence in Chisty Lane in Moscow.
"Whenever we meet with our Serbian brothers, we feel like we belong to the same family, and these are not just diplomatic words, they are," said His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, welcoming the distinguished guest and the delegation accompanying him. "Our peoples have never quarreled or fought with each other, but have always been together."
His Holiness emphasized that throughout history, Russia and its people have always maintained special relations with the Serbian brothers, both centuries ago, in Soviet times, and in the modern period, a relationship in which there were no spots and dark places.
During the conversation, it was noted that the Orthodox Church is a very important factor that determines such relations between the two nations.
"We know that our Slavic brothers who live to the west of Russia do not always enjoy full favor — sometimes they go through difficult trials; your heroic people have experienced this many times," His Holiness the Patriarch continued. — I would like to assure you once again that the Russian people have always not only sympathized with their fellow Slavs, but also, as has happened in history, repeatedly defended the independence of our Slavic brothers, and sometimes the very fact of their existence, because the threats were terrible. Today, by the grace of God, the times are more peaceful and peaceful. This gives us the opportunity to develop good bilateral relations for the benefit of our Churches and peoples."
For his part, the President of Republika Srpska expressed his joy at the opportunity to meet and talk with the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church during his current visit to Moscow.
He also mentioned with great warmth the visit to the Republic of Serbia in November 2024 by a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church headed by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations, and his meeting with the delegation, which took place at the Chamber of the Republic in Banja Luka.
Milorad Dodik conveyed greetings and well wishes from Bishop Ephraim of Banja Luka to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. Russian Russian Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord is being built in Banja Luka, he expressed the hope that when the construction is completed, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church will attend the celebrations of the consecration of this temple.
"I also want to convey greetings from our Serbian Patriarch Porfiry, who was here recently," the distinguished guest continued, noting that the Primate of the Serbian Church shared his inspiration and good impressions of his stay in Moscow and meeting with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.
Milorad Dodik also stated that good cooperation relations have developed in Republika Srpska between the authorities and the Serbian Orthodox Church. Over the years, more than a thousand churches have been built and restored, and they are full of believers. In general education schools, students have the opportunity to learn the basics of the Orthodox faith.
During the conversation, the guest informed His Holiness Patriarch Kirill about the difficult vicissitudes and trials that the Republika Srpska and its inhabitants had gone through over the past three decades, about the external pressure exerted on it, including due to its refusal to take the side of those who imposed sanctions against Russia, and even about the direct persecution of the Republic's leadership. Serbian. At the same time, he emphasized Russia's unwavering friendly attention and support.
"Republika Srpska, as well as all Serbs in the Balkans, are always treated in the West as the personification of evil and are constantly taking steps against us," Dodik said. — We are often even perceived as an integral part of the Russian people. Once I was told that you Serbs are little Russians. I say, don't humiliate me, I'm a big Serb and a big Russian."
At the end of the meeting, a solemn ceremony was held to present His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia with the highest award of the Republika Srpska. Milorad Dodik presented the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church with the Order of the Republika Srpska on the Order chain.