July 17, 2025
Contribution by Dario Bozhinovski, Macedonian Bible Society
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
On July 13, 2025, the Cathedral of the Ohrid Archbishops “Saint Sophia” in Ohrid, North Macedonia, bore witness to a historic and spiritually uplifting occasion—the ordination and enthronement of the newly elected Metropolitan of Debar and Kichevo, Georgy (Gjorgjevski). Metropolitan Georgy also currently serves as the General Secretary of the Macedonian Bible Society.
The Divine Liturgy marking this milestone drew a diverse and distinguished gathering. Among those in attendance were the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski; former President of the Republic, Gjorgje Ivanov; representatives of national and local governments; members of various religious communities; and prominent figures from academia and public life, including rectors, university professors, and many faithful believers.
Representatives of United Bible Societies, Altin Hysi (General Secretary of Interconfessional of the Bible Society of Albania), Rosalee Velloso-Ewell (Director of Church Relations), George Sochos (Head of Member Relations, Europe), and Gjergj Ndoci (ISP Manager) were honoured to attend this joyful occasion and celebrate alongside the Macedonian Bible Society and the wider community.
Dirk Gevers, Secretary General of United Bible Societies, shared his congratulations:
“We celebrate with joy the ordination of Metropolitan Georgy, whose life has been dedicated to the Word of God. His leadership at the Macedonian Bible Society was marked by faithfulness, vision, and collaboration. We pray that the same spirit will now bless his ministry as Metropolitan. May his new role bring continued unity between the Bible mission and the life of the Church.”
At the conclusion of the solemn liturgy, the primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Archbishopric of Ohrid, Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia, addressed the congregation. His message drew comparisons between the virtues of figures from the Old Testament and the qualities and mission of the newly appointed Metropolitan.
Metropolitan Georgy followed with a heartfelt address, opening with sincere gratitude to God and the Holy Synod for their trust in him. He closed his remarks with a prayerful plea for strength and guidance in his episcopal mission, aspiring to follow in the apostles’ footsteps as shepherd of the Debar and Kichevo Diocese:
“I do not come with great plans, but with sincere love. I do not have ready answers, but I am prepared to seek answers together for the challenges ahead. I know many difficulties will follow, but, as the Gospel teaches us, only through the cross is there life, and the path to the Resurrection always goes through Golgotha. From the Lord, I ask not to be successful, but faithful—to Him and to the Church—and to humbly accept the given cross and bear it firmly.”
Later in the day, he extended special thanks to his colleagues from United Bible Societies for their enduring friendship, support, and shared commitment to spreading the Word of God, expressing joy in their continued collaboration and mutual trust.
