TRH Hereditary Prince Philip and Princess Danica, together with their children Prince Stefan and Princess Marija, attended the celebration of the 81st Serbian Day – Vidovdan in Niagara, one of the oldest and most significant manifestations of the Serbian community in Canada, which has been bringing together our people for more than eight decades and represents a strong symbol of the unity of the Serbian diaspora.
On this occasion, Hereditary Prince Philip emphasised that he was particularly pleased that the tradition, founded around the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Great Martyr George, continues to be preserved with the same love and dedication by new generations.
“Our churches in the Diaspora have never been just places of prayer. They have been the guardians of our language, culture, history and national identity, a support for our people when they were thousands of kilometres away from their homeland,” said the Hereditary Prince.
He emphasised that such meetings also have a special significance for the Royal Family. “Throughout different times and circumstances, the Crown has always shared the fate of its people. Therefore, every meeting with our people is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that connect us, to encourage each other and remind ourselves that, no matter where we live, we belong to the same spiritual and historical family.”
He particularly emphasised his joy at meeting children and young people who preserve the Serbian language, faith and tradition. “The greatest joy has been brought to me by the smiles of children and young people who proudly speak the Serbian language, preserve their faith, play our carols and know who they are and where they come from. In them I see the certainty that what we have inherited from our ancestors will be passed on to future generations,” said Hereditary Prince Philip.
His Royal Highness thanked the clergy, organisers and all the volunteers who have selflessly preserved this precious tradition for 81 years and strengthened the unbreakable ties between Serbia and the Serbian people in Canada. “May Vidovdan always gather us around our Church, our holy places and our vows. As long as we preserve them, we will preserve ourselves as a people,” concluded Hereditary Prince Philip.
