Montenegro Honors Archbishop Amfilohije with State Order

In a significant gesture of recognition, Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović announced the posthumous awarding of the nation’s highest state order to Archbishop Amfilohije on the fifth anniversary of his passing. The decision honors Amfilohije’s impactful legacy in the spiritual and social fabric of Montenegro, where he served as the head of the Montenegrin–Primorje Metropolitanate for nearly three decades.

Born in 1938 in the village of Barama Radovića, Amfilohije was educated in theological and philological studies across several prestigious institutions, including those in Belgrade, Bern, Rome, and Athens. Milatović highlighted that he became one of the most educated bishops in the Orthodox world, significantly contributing to Montenegro’s international reputation.

Amfilohije played a pivotal role during a critical juncture in Montenegro’s history—the 2006 independence referendum. His calls for unity and mutual respect were instrumental in ensuring the process unfolded peacefully, without conflict. Milatović remarked that Amfilohije’s leadership during this period provided an immeasurable contribution to the preservation of peace and stability in the country.

In the later years of his life, Archbishop Amfilohije emerged as a symbol of spiritual resistance, particularly during the protests in 2019 and 2020 against the Law on Freedom of Religion. These protests, known as liturgies, captured widespread attention and grew to symbolize peaceful civic opposition. Milatović noted that their scale and duration were vital in facilitating a peaceful transition of power in Montenegro, paving the way for the country’s aspirations towards full European Union membership.

By posthumously conferring the highest state honor on Amfilohije, Montenegro acknowledges his significant contributions to preserving spiritual traditions and fostering social peace during some of the most sensitive moments in its contemporary history. This recognition also reflects his role in enhancing the international standing of Montenegro.

Milatović concluded his statement by emphasizing that this honor serves as a tribute to Amfilohije’s enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the nation.