Maslenikov also attended the liturgy; Joanikije: We are gathering at Saint Basil of Ostrog, successor of Saint Sava

For 15 years, pilgrims from Sokoc in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have been crossing a 230-kilometer road on foot to reach Ostrog Monastery on May 12. It was the same this time.

"33 pilgrims set out, according to the number of years of Christ, but three more pilgrims joined us on the way. In six days, we covered a 230-kilometer journey. It was difficult, but when we understand where we are going and why we are going, then it is not difficult. In general we see that half of the people are those who go for the first time, and the other half are pilgrims with experience. For me, the pilgrimage is a journey on which we try to know ourselves. The most difficult struggle in life is, in my opinion, the struggle with ourselves. as much as possible, to fight with ourselves, to return from this holy journey better than when we started," said Milan Maričić, president of the Association of Citizens "Sveti Vasilije" from Sokolac, for whom this was the fourth pilgrimage.

Seventy-five-year-old Mira Stanar, from the village of Oštra Luka, between Prijedor and Sanski Most in Bosnia and Herzegovina, wanted to fight and fight with herself. And she succeeded.

"I've been coming here for six years. I had a desire to come this year as well. I'm sick, physically I can't walk, I use crutches, and I had a desire to come, fearing that I won't be able to talk anymore. I fulfilled my wish, with the help of God, and I'm happy about that. Nothing was difficult for me. I walked from the Donji to the Upper Monastery, and it wasn't difficult for me," Stanar said.

Under the Ostro rocks, thousands of believers from Montenegro, the region, and beyond flocked to celebrate the feast of St. Basil of Ostro, the glory of the Monastery.

Many of them had walked hundreds of kilometers in their legs. The plateau in front of the Monastery was overflowing with tents, sleeping bags and blankets of those who had come by foot, bus or car the night before to attend the evening service.

After the bishop's liturgy, which was served by Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, together with clergy and monks, with the presence of a large number of bishops, the metropolitan addressed the crowd.

"Our people have been gathering here for a long time, but also many other peoples who approach the life of Saint Basil of Ostrog and receive from God, through the prayers of Saint Basil, healing and treatment, and virtue and strength, just as Saint Sava once helped everyone and blessed everyone who approach his holy life with faith, no matter who he is, from what nation he is. That's how we gather here in the Ostrog Monastery, at his successor Saint Vasilij Ostrog," said the Metropolitan.

It thanked the archbishops who came from various countries, "from Kosovo and Metohija, to California, America, Germany and South America".

He thanked the people who came from different places this year, especially the children and youth, as well as the Russian ambassador Vladislav Maslenikov, who attended the liturgy.

He also thanked Archimandrite Sergius, who, as Joanikije said, with great love and "with his brothers and people" prepared everything to be harmonious and beautiful.

Bishop Gregory of Düsseldorf and All Germany said that Ostrog is one of the greatest sanctuaries, and for many it is the greatest they have ever been in front of.

"A long time ago, as a boy, I stood there with you and admired this shrine, not understanding much of it. Even today, after many years standing here before you, I try to understand why it is so important and why it is so strongly rooted among us. It seems to me that I know the answer. Namely, this holy place resembles those holy places from which all others spring. This cave, dear brothers and sisters, resembles that of Bethlehem, and this holy tomb in which the relics of Saint Basil rest, resembles the grave that Joseph of Arimathea gave to bury the crucified Lord Jesus Christ in. This cave, this place reminds me of what we often forget. They remind me of humility, but also of the fact that light shone from the grave, that God destroyed death with death, and that we will celebrate that event until the end of the century, when that light will shine in our hearts, which, unfortunately, too often become like a cold and empty cave," said Grigorije.

As he pointed out, believers came to Ostrog to receive the light.

"Light, therefore, is something that cannot be taken away, torn off, carried in a bag. Light can only be received. And for the light, in order to receive it, we must prepare. That is why, brothers and sisters, our arrival before this the holy place, always an effort and desire to receive the light. To receive the light that shone from the grave, from the grave of Christ, because Saint Basil first brought that light to his heart, and then to this cave. And you, perhaps, that you are not aware, you came here to receive the light, to store it in your hearts, which should shine with that light, and then your faces and your hands, your steps and your actions will shine from that light," said Grigorije.

One-year-old Nikola Supić was baptized in front of the monastery, while his father Lazar was ordained a deacon.

Theological students from the Prizren Theological Seminary participated in the liturgy by singing.