The traditional Pan-Macedonian Orthodox Assembly took place today at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the city of Veles, marking the Feast of All Macedonian Saints. The event drew clergy, faithful, and civic leaders from across the country, underscoring its significance as one of the key celebrations of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric.

The Divine Liturgy was led by His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia, who was joined by Metropolitan Agatangel of Povardarie, Metropolitan Pimen of Europe, Metropolitan Joseph of Tetovo and Gostivar, Metropolitan Gregory of Kumanovo and Osogovo, Metropolitan George of Debar and Kichevo, and numerous clergy.

The church was filled to capacity with worshippers from all parts of the country, highlighting the event’s national spiritual importance.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia Kristian Mickoski, Mayor of Veles Marko Kolev, Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Lutkov, members of parliament, and representatives of civic organizations, according to liturgija.mk.

The Pan-Macedonian Assembly has been held annually since 1998 on the first Sunday of October. It commemorates the historic Second Church and People’s Assembly held on October 4–6, 1958, at the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Ohrid. That event marked a turning point in the re-establishment of the Ohrid Archbishopric through the Macedonian Orthodox Church. In 1998, the Holy Synod instituted the celebration of All Macedonian Saints and formalized the tradition of this national church gathering.

This year’s liturgy took place in the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in central Veles — a church still under construction since 2006. The architectural design of the church is inspired by the ancient Church of the Holy Mother of God in Kališta, near Struga.

The Pan-Macedonian Assembly continues to be a unifying spiritual and cultural event, affirming the faith, identity, and heritage of the Orthodox faithful in North Macedonia.