Representation of the Orthodox Church in America
to the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate

News | 28-02-08 International Conference in Banja Luka – Day 2

On Thursday, February 28, 2008, the participants in the 14th International Conference of the Foundation for Unity Among Orthodox Nations entitled “Religious traditions as an important factor in contemporary peacemaking” in Banja Luka, Republika Srpska continued their work.

It was here that Archimandrite Zacchaeus, Representative of the Orthodox Church in America made his presentation about the importance of peacemaking from the Orthodox Christian perspective to the assembly. Also on the same day deputies from the parliaments of Poland, Palestine, Romania, Montenegro, Moldavia, Serbia, Estonia and Russia also made presentations to those in attendance.

Following the morning session, a luncheon for all participants was hosted by the local Serbian Orthodox Church at which the President of the Republic was in attendance. After the luncheon, Archimandrite Zacchaeus, Representative of the Orthodox Church in America and Archpriest Alexei Yuschenko, Representative of the Church of the Czech lands and Slovakia traveled to the diocesan chancery of His Grace, Bishop EPHREM of Banjaluka for a tour of the complex. Also, the two priests were able to share in private conversation with the hierarch during which they learned much about the local situation the Orthodox Church finds herself in.

That evening, at the State Parliament Building, a reception sponsored by the local government was held for the participants of the conference at which both the President and the Prime Minister of the Republic were in attendance. Also, a concert of Serbian spiritual and national folk music was performed by the choir of the diocesan cathedral.