View source for Archbishop Stefan (Veljanovski)



[[File:Archbishop stefan 1.jpg]]

'''Archbishop Sefan (Veljanovski) (1955-____)'''


Stefan may be spelt Stephan, Stephen, Stepan, Stephanos.

Ohrid may be spelt Ochrid. 


==Early life of Stoyan Veljanovski==

On 1 May, 1955, Stoyan Veljanovski was born in the village of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobru%C5%A1evo Dobrushevo], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogila_Municipality Mogila Municipality] near [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%91%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%99?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bitola], in the [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%BE%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%A0%D0%B5%D0%BF%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%9C%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc People's Republic of Macedonia] [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%BE%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%A4%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%A0%D0%B5%D0%BF%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%88%D1%83%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_hist=true SFR Yugoslavia]), today in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Macedonia North Macedonia]. 
 
In ancient times, this region was known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paeonia_(kingdom) Kingdom of Pæonia]. 

Many of the complexities regarding the Church of Macedonia are related to similar struggles faced by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Bulgaria Church of Bulgaria] and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Serbia Church of Serbia] in particular.  All had lived and survived for several centuries under the oppressive yoke of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_Empire Ottoman Empire].  When, in the 19th century, these regions began to achieve some independence (which became complete after the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissolution_of_the_Ottoman_Empire fall of the Ottoman Empire]), their long histories of overlapping historical territories contributed to various difficulties regarding their mutual relationships.   

Until 1945, this region was known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vardar_Banovina Province of Vardar Banovina].  After 1945, it and the main part of Serbia both became [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialist_state socialist republics].  

Stoyan Veljanovski was born into an Orthodox Christian family, and he was raised as an [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian] within the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Macedonian_Orthodox_Church Macedonian Orthodox Church].  At that time, the Macedonian Orthodox Church was known as the Autonomous [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbishopric_of_Ohrid Ohrid Archdiocese of Saint Clement] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Serbia Church of Serbia].  This archdiocese and the government had been associated historically with the Churches and the countries of both [https://www.britannica.com/place/Serbia Serbia] and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Bulgaria Bulgaria]. 

He received his primary and secondary education in his home village and county.  
In 1959, because of strong pressure of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialist_Republic_of_Macedonia communist authorities], the Ohrid Archdiocese of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Clement_of_Ochrid Saint Clement] became known as the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Macedonian_Orthodox_Church Macedonian Orthodox Church].

'''Schism of the Archdiocese of Macedonia from the Church of Serbia, 1967'''

In 1967, when Stoyan Veljanovski was 12 years old, the Macedonian Orthodox Church proclaimed itself unilaterally as being [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autocephaly autocephalous].  With this act, there began a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Schism schism] from the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Serbia Church of Serbia] which would last for many decades.  This particular schism kept the Church in Macedonia out of eucharistic communion with all the other Orthodox Churches for the duration.

==Higher education==

In 1969, Stoyan Veljanovski enrolled in the [http://www.mpc.org.mk/english/mpc/seminary.asp Macedonian Orthodox Theological Seminary of Saint Clement of Ohrid] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dra%C4%8Devo,_Skopje Dračevo], a suburb of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skopje Skopje].  He graduated from the seminary in 1974. 

Later in 1974, Stoyan went on to study at the [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8_%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D1%84%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%82_%D0%A3%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B7%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0_%D1%83_%D0%91%D0%B5%D0%BE%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%83?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Theological Faculty] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Belgrade University of Belgrade].  He graduated from the university in 1979. 

'''Teaching and further study'''

Upon his return to Macedonia, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod Holy Synod] of the Macedonian Orthodox Church named him a teacher at the [https://mpb-mk.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Theological Seminary] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skopje Skopje]. 

In 1980, Stoyan left for postgraduate studies at the Institute of Saint Nicholas (since 2005, "[http://www.fiuc.org/bdf_organisme-321_en.html The Pugliese Theological Faculty]") associated with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_di_San_Nicola Saint Nicholas Cathedral] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bari Bari], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy Italy].  The institute specialises in [https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ecumenical ecumenical]-[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patristics patristic] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_Greeks Greco-Byzantine] studies. 

In 1982, he received a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master%27s_degree master's degree] from this institute.

When he returned to Macedonia, Stoyan became a lecturer at the [https://mpb-mk.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Saint Clement of Ohrid Theological Faculty] in Skopje.
 
==Monastic tonsure, 1986==

On 2 July, 1986, Stoyan Veljanovski was [https://orthochristian.com/101607.html tonsured] to be a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monk monk] in the  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monastery_of_Saint_Naum Saint Naum monastery] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohrid Ohrid].  He was given the name Stefan. 
 
==Diaconal ordination, 1986==

On 3 July, 1986, Monk Stefan (Veljanovski) was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate].  

==Presbyteral ordination, 1986==

On 6 July, 1986, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierodeacon Hierodeacon] Stefan (Veljanovski) was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood]. 

==Episcopal ordination, 1986==

On 12 July, 1986, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieromonk Hieromonk] Stefan (Veljanovski) was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Episcopate Episcopate] by [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop bishops] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Macedonian_Orthodox_Church Macedonian Orthodox Church].

==Episcopal service==

Bishop Stefan (Veljanovski) was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans metropolitan], and he was assigned to serve as Metropolitan of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zletovo Zletovo] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strumica Strumica]. 

'''Metropolitan of America and Canada, 1987'''

From 1987 to 1989, Metropolitan Stefan (Veljanovski) was in charge of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_Orthodox_Diocese_of_America_and_Canada Macedonian Orthodox Diocese of America and Canada]. (In 1981, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_Orthodox_Diocese_of_Australia_and_New_Zealand Diocese of Australia and New Zealand] had been distinguished from the original all-encompassing diaspora diocese centred in North America.) The cathedral in the [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States USA] is the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_Orthodox_Cathedral_of_the_Dormition_of_the_Virgin_Mary,_Reynoldsburg Holy Dormition Cathedral] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynoldsburg,_Ohio Reynoldsburg], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio Ohio].  The cathedral in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada] is the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Clement_of_Ohrid_Macedonian_Orthodox_Cathedral,_Toronto Cathedral of Saint Clement of Ohrid] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario].   

'''Metropolitan of Bregalnica, 1989'''

In 1989, Metropolitan Stefan (Veljanovski) was assigned to serve as Metropolitan of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bregalnica Bregalnica].

In 1990, in addition, Metropolitan Stefan was appointed rector of the Orthodox Seminary in Skopje.  At the same time,  he served as spokesman for the Holy Synod of the Macedonian Orthodox Church ; as editor-in-chief of the church's official gazette "Church Life" (Црковен живот) ; and as secretary-general of the Archbishopric of Ohrid and Macedonia.  

'''Independence of North Macedonia, 1991'''

In 1991, the state of North Macedonia (at that time called by some as the Former [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslavia Yugoslavian] Republic of Macedonia) was separated peacefully from [https://www.britannica.com/place/Yugoslavia-former-federated-nation-1929-2003 Yugoslavia].  There followed a lengthy controversy (particularly with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece Greece]) about the nature of the name of the country.  There remained some residual tensions with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgaria Bulgaria], to which the territory at one time had belonged.  

==Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, 1999==

On 9 and 10 October, 1999, in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohrid Ohrid], the Church National Assembly (an assembly of clerics and laymen) elected Metropolitan Stefan (Veljanovski) to be the head of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Macedonian_Orthodox_Church Macedonian Orthodox Church].  He was confirmed in this election by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod Holy Synod of Bishops], and he was [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Enthronement enthroned] as such by these bishops.  


[[File:Archbishop Stefan (Veljanovski) 1.jpg]]


Responding to concerns that Vladika Stefan was only 44 years old when he was elected, [https://religija-mk.translate.goog/pochina-protogjakon-slave-p-projkovski-sekretarot-na-arhiepiskopot-angelarij/?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Protodeacon Slave Projkovski] said the Macedonian Orthodox Church had confidence in Vladika Stefan's intellectual and moral maturity.  Protodeacon Projkovski added that the future of the Church did not depend on Archbishop Stefan alone, since, as head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, he was merely the first among equals. 

However, the effects of the 1967 schism continued.  

'''Negotiations between the Macedonian and Serbian Churches, 2002-2003'''

In an attempt to restore its canonical status and gain recognition from the Orthodox Churches, the Macedonian Orthodox Church entered  negotiations with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Serbia Serbian Orthodox Church] from which it had been separated since its self-declared [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autocephaly autocephaly] in 1967. These negotiations led to an agreement that was [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/Нишки_споразум_(2002)?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc signed in Niš in June, 2002 : the Niš Agreement].  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ni%C5%A1 Niš] is a large and very old city in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Serbia_(geographical_region) southern Serbia]. 
The agreement that was reached implied that the widest ecclesiastical [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autonomy autonomy] of the dioceses in the [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%9C%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Republic of Macedonia] would be recognised.  In return, the [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%BE%D1%85%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B4%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Ohrid Archbishopric] would retain the single symbolic link with the Church of Serbia in which the election of the head of the Orthodox Church in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_MacedoniaRepublic of Macedonia] would be confirmed by the [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9F%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85_%D1%81%D1%80%D0%BF%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Serbian Patriarch].  According to the agreement, the dioceses in the Republic of Macedonia could use its current name “Macedonian Orthodox Church” in official communications.

The agreement was signed by all 7 Serbian bishops and 5 of the 7 Macedonian bishops.  

'''Opposite reactions regarding the Niš Agreement'''

On their return from the meeting, the bishops of the Macedonian Orthodox Church were exposed to severe criticism for signing this agreement ; and although for a short time they attempted to defend it, the agreement was soon rejected by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synod Synod] of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.  Forces in Macedonian society contributed significantly to the rejection.  

On the other hand, the Serbian Orthodox Church continued to behave in the spirit of the Niš Agreement.  

Ultimately, the only one of the Macedonian Church who accepted and signed the Agreement of Niš subsequently was [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82_%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%88%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_hist=true  Metropolitan Jovan (Vraniškovski)] of [https://mk-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%92%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%81?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Veles] and [https://mk-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Povarda].  
Then the [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8_%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%98%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%80_%D0%A1%D1%80%D0%BF%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B5_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B5_%D1%86%D1%80%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%B5?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church], at its regular session in May, 2003, took a decision on the constitution of the [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8_%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%98%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B4_%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B5_%D0%BE%D1%85%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B4%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B5_%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc  Holy Synod of Bishops of the autonomous Ohrid Archdiocese] of the Church of Serbia.  On that occasion, 2 new bishops of the Ohrid archdiocese were elected by the Serbian Holy Synod : [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%88%D0%BE%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BC?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_hist=true Joakim (Jovčevski)] and [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BA%D0%BE?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_hist=true Marko (Kimev)]. 

At the same time, Metropolitan Kyril (Popović) of [https://bg-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%9A%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0_%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%8F?_x_tr_sl=bg&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Polgka-Kumanov], who was the leader in advocating the schism, was "suspended from the exercise of the episcopate, and suspended from managing the diocese.  Ecclesiastical-judicial proceedings were initiated against him". 

On 16 June, 2004, Metropolitan Kyril (Popović) was deprived of his episcopal rank by the decision of the ecclesiastical court of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Ohrid_Archbishopric Orthodox Ohrid Archdiocese], sitting in the [https://bg-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8_%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%BE%D1%80_%D0%9F%D1%87%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_(%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%80)?_x_tr_sl=bg&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_hist=true Pchinsk Monastery],  South Serbia, in an expanded composition of 12 members - [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82_%D1%86%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%90%D0%BC%D1%84%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Metropolitan Amfilohiy (Radović)] of [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0_%D1%86%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Montenegro-Primorski] ; [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D1%81%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%92%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bishops Basil (Vadić)] of [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0_%D1%81%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Srem] ; [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%B1%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BC%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%9B%D1%83%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0%D0%BD?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Lucian (Pantelić)] of [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0_%D0%B1%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BC%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Buda] ; [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A5%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC_(%D0%A1%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%87)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Hrizostom (Stolić)] of [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%96%D0%B8%D1%87%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%8F?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Zhicha] ; [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%98%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%98?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Irinei (Bulović)] of [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0_%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bačka] ; [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%9A%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%9F%D0%B0%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Pachomius (Gačić)] of [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0_%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%9A%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Vranj] ; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemije_Radosavljevi%C4%87 Artemiy (Radosavljević)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eparchy_of_Ra%C5%A1ka_and_Prizren Raška and Prizren] ; [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%B6%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%88%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Justin (Stefanović)] of [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0_%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Timočka] ; [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D1%88%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%98%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%88%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Jovan (Mladenović)] of [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0_%D1%88%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%98%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Šumadija] ; [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%98%D0%B3%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Ignatiy (Midić)] of [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0_%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Braničevo] ; as well as the bishops of the [https://srpskaenciklopedija-org.translate.goog/doku.php?id=%D1%81%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8_%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%98%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B4_%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B5_%D0%BE%D1%85%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B4%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B5_%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B5&_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Orthodox Ohrid Archdiocese], [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%88%D0%BE%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BC?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bishop Joakim (Jovčevski)] of [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%92%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B8_%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%BA%D0%B8?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Velički], Vicar-Bishop of [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Polgka-Kumanov], and [https://bg-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BA%D0%BE_%D0%91%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%B8?_x_tr_sl=bg&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bishop Marko (Kimev)] of Dremviš, Vicar-Bishop of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitola Bitola].  

Then the Patriarch of Peć ([https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Pavle_II_(Stojcevic) Pavle (Stojčević)]) summoned all the bishops, clergy, monastics and faithful people of the Macedonian Orthodox Church to enter into liturgical and canonical unity with the Serbian Orthodox Church.  The Bishop of Veles, Metropolitan Jovan (Vraniškovski), and all priests of the Diocese of Veles agreed to respond to this call, and they all signed a document of agreement.  
 
On 24 May, 2005, in accordance with the Niš Agreement, [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82_%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%88%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=scMetropolitan Jovan (Vraniškovski)] (sometimes spelt Vraniškoski) was confirmed by the Patriarch of Peć to be the Archbishop of Ohrid and Metropolitan of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skopje Skopje].  On the same day, there was a proclamation of the Patriarch-and-Assembly's [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Tomos Tomos] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autonomy Autonomy] for the Ohrid Archbishopric, with [https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82_%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%88%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc&_x_tr_hist=true Archbishop Jovan (Vraniškovski)] as the Chairman of the Holy Synod of Bishops. 

'''Consequences of the decisions of the Church of Serbia'''

A few days after entering into liturgical and canonical unity with the Serbian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Jovan (Vraniškovski) was expelled from the seat of the Metropolitanate together with the monastic community living with him. 
 
After that, he was detained by the Macedonian national authorities several times on various charges.  In 2003, he was sentenced to 5 days' imprisonment for "disturbance of public peace and order and resisting a police officer", after attempting to perform a baptism in a church operated by the Macedonian Orthodox Church.  

On a visit to the Republic of Macedonia in May, 2009, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Serbia President of Serbia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Tadi%C4%87 Boris Tadić], pointed out that his country wished for a settlement to the matter of the division.  The Serbian Orthodox Church in the past had blocked the visit of the Republic of Macedonia state delegations to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohor_P%C4%8Dinjski_Monastery  Prohor Pčinjski Monastery] in southern Serbia on the Republic of Macedonia's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_North_Macedonia Day of the Republic], the place where the foundations of the Republic of Macedonia's statehood were laid during [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II  World War II] at the first plenary session of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-fascist_Assembly_for_the_National_Liberation_of_Macedonia  ASNOM].  In 2009, however, the Serbian Orthodox Church surprisingly allowed a visit by a delegation of the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia. 

In December, 2017, it became known that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_North_Macedonia Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoran_Zaev Zoran Zaev], intended to support the admission of [https://www.britannica.com/place/Kosovo Kosovo] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO  UNESCO]. The Serbian government responded that they would no longer recognise the country by the name Republic of Macedonia if they continued such efforts. Serbian foreign minister [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivica_Da%C4%8Di%C4%87 Ivica Dačić] stated that it was an example of hypocrisy from Zoran Zaev's government.  

==Attempts at recognition with the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, 2017== 

In November, 2017, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_National_Television  Bulgarian National Television] announced the content of a letter which the Macedonian Orthodox Church had sent to the Holy Synod of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Bulgaria Bulgarian Orthodox Church].  That letter requested talks with regard to the recognition of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. The letter was signed by Archbishop Stefan (Veljanovski).  Amongst other things, the letter stated : 
  The Bulgarian Orthodox Church - Bulgarian Patriarchate, taking into account 
  the unity of the Orthodox Church and the real spiritual and pastoral needs, 
  should establish [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_communion eucharistic unity] with the restored Ohrid Archbishopric in the form 
  of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. 
On 27 November, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Patriarchate accepted to consider the proposal that it become Macedonia's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_church  mother Church], and agreed to work towards recognition of its status.  
Then the Serbian Church expressed its surprise over the Bulgarian decision to be “mother” to the Macedonian Church.

On 14 May, 2018, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church decided to decline the invitation from the Macedonian Orthodox Church to participate in the festivities celebrating the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbishopric_of_Ohrid  1000th anniversary of the establishment of the Archbishopric of Ohrid].  They also declined to send a representative to the celebration.   

'''Involvement of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, 2018'''

In late May, 2018, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople Patriarchate of Constantinople] announced that it had accepted the request from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skopje Skopje] that it examine the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_law canonical status] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbishopric_of_Ohrid Ohrid Archbishopric]. 
On 13 January, 2020, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)] received the prime minister of North Macedonia, [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9,_%D0%9E%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%80?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Oliver Spasovski] and his predecessor [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%97%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%B2,_%D0%97%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Zoran Zaev].  According to the statement of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, “The purpose of the visit was to examine the ecclesiastical problem of the country.  The previous stages of the matter were discussed during the meeting”.  It was announced that the patriarch would invite both the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Macedonian Orthodox Church to a joint meeting in a bid to find a mutually acceptable solution to the country's ecclesiastical situation.  

'''Tenth anniversary of the election of Metropolitan Stefan (Veljanovski) to be Archbishop of Macedonia, 2019'''

On 10 October, 2019, "Ohrid News" published an item that reminded the readers about the fact that it had been on this day in 1999 that Metropolitan Stefan (Veljanovski) had been elected and enthroned to be Archbishop of Macedonia.  A photo was included.  The article reminded the readers about the names of the predecessors of Archbishop Stefan :

  Archbishop Stefan is the fifth head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.  Before him, the heads of the 
  Macedonian Orthodox Church were : [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dositej_II,_Archbishop_of_Ohrid_and_Macedonia Vladika Dositej (Stojković)] ; [https://mk-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%90%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%9E%D1%85%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B4%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%B8_%D0%9C%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%B3.%D0%B3._%D0%90%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%98?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Vladika Angelarij (Krstevski)] ;
  [https://mk-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%90%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%9E%D1%85%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B4%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%B8_%D0%9C%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%B3.%D0%B3._%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BB_II?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Vladika Gavril (Miloshev)] ;  [https://mk-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%90%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%9E%D1%85%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B4%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%B8_%D0%9C%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%B3.%D0%B3._%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%B8%D0%BB?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Vladika Mikhail (Gogov)].


[[File:G.G.-Stefan 2.png]]   '''Archbishop Stefan'''


In September, 2020, the President of North Macedonia, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevo_Pendarovski Stevo Pendarovski], wrote a letter in which he asked that the Patriarch of Constantinople recognise the canonicity of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.  

'''Response of Constantinople, 2022'''

On 9 May, 2022, the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople decided to end the long schism with the Ohrid Archbishopric (now the Macedonian Orthodox Church (MOC)).  The decision meant that the Constantinopolitan Patriarchate recognised the hierarch of the Church of Macedonia, led by Archbishop Stefan (Veljanovski) as being a canonical entity in the Orthodox world.

This was the last major step which, after more than 20 years of conversations and negotiations, made it possible at last to [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Porfirije_(Peric)#Healing_the_1967_Schism_of_the_Macedonian_Orthodox_Church,_2022 resolve the schism of the Church of Macedonia].  

However, the significance of the Constantinopolitan decision lies not alone in the “primus inter pares” role of the Patriarch of Constantinople.  In fact, both the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Church of Constantinople] and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Greece  Church of Greece] had long been involved in the controversy over the naming of the Archbishopric of Ohrid as the Church of Macedonia.  The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek-speakers] resisted a non-Greek application of the title (North Macedonian people speak [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_language Macedonian], a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavic_languages Slavic language] related to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_language Bulgarian] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbian_language Serbian]).  This concern has historical roots that predate both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_II_of_Macedon Philip] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great Alexander] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonia_(ancient_kingdom) Macedonia].  This concern, often expressed in heated commentary in the public press, was in the background of the tensions amongst Macedonians, Serbians and Bulgarians.  

The [https://www.kas.de/documents/252038/11055681/Dispute+between+the+Macedonian+Orthodox+Church+and+the+Serbian+Orthodox+Church.pdf/9ccbfe9c-be06-d5e2-8525-2e368392cc56?version=1.0&t=1612446156571 history of the schism] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Macedonian_Orthodox_Church Church of Macedonia] from the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/church_of_Serbia Church of Serbia] was related in part also to the political concerns of the government of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslavia former Yugoslavia] and its Macedonian component.  [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Jovan_VI_(Vrani%C5%A1kovski)_of_Ohrid Vladika Jovan (Vraniškovski)] and other bishops had been persecuted for an attempt in 2002 to bring about a healing of the schism, although it was not completely fulfilled at that time.

==Healing the 1967 Schism of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, 2022==

On 16 May, 2022, the hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church, gathered in the Bishops’ Council in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Sremski-Karlovci Sremski Karlovci], [https://orthochristian.com/146155.html resolved to receive the previously schismatic Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric back] into [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Full_communion communion].  

The Serbian Bishops’ Council (Sabor) was willing to accept the previous status of the Macedonian Church as an [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autonomy autonomous body] within the Serbian Patriarchate.  Thus, the Serbian bishops gave the Macedonian bishops the “full internal independence” originally granted them in 1959.  Although this decision had been arrived at in part through interventions by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Patriarchate of Constantinople], nevertheless, the agreement was achieved through direct conversations between the bishops of Serbia and of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Macedonia Macedonia]. 
 
The Serbian Church declared that She would continue the dialogue to determine fully the “future and eventual final status” of dioceses within North Macedonia.  She would be “guided only and exclusively by ecclesiological-canonical and Church-pastoral principles, criteria and norms, and not being concerned with ‘[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Realpolitik realpolitikal]’, ‘[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geopolitics geopolitical]’, or ‘Church-political’” norms.  

Although the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod Synod] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Constantinople] had stipulated that the Macedonian Church must be known as “The Ohrid Archbishopric”, the Serbian Holy Synod of Bishops stated that the official name would be resolved in “direct fraternal dialogue with the Greek and other Local Churches”.  Although the Synod of Constantinople also stipulated that the Macedonian Church had jurisdiction only within the state of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Macedonia North Macedonia], the Serbian hierarchs stated that they had no intention of limiting its jurisdiction in the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_diaspora diaspora]".  Long before, the Macedonian Church had established dioceses in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_Orthodox_Diocese_of_America_and_Canada North America], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_Orthodox_Diocese_of_Europe Europe], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_Orthodox_Diocese_of_Australia_-_Sydney Australia].  

In its earlier letter to the Serbian hierarchs, the Macedonian Holy Synod expressed hope that the other Local Orthodox Churches would recognise its return to the Serbian Church.  There soon began to appear some indications that this would be the case.  


[[File:Свјетлопис патријарха србског Порфиририја и надвладике охридског Стефана, 19.5.2022 (cropped) 1.jpg]]  '''Patriarch Porfirije at the granting of autonomy'''

On 16 May 2022, Archbishop Stefan (Veljanovski) became the first Archbishop of Ohrid to be canonically recognised since [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dositej_II,_Archbishop_of_Ohrid_and_Macedonia Metropolitan Dositej II (Stojković)], as a consequence of the resolution by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Synod_of_the_Serbian_Orthodox_Church Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church] to accept the canonical status of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

'''Fulfilment of the healing at the Divine Liturgy, 19 May, 2022'''

On 19 May, 2022, [https://spzh.news/en/news/88499-patriarkh-porfirij-na-liturgii-s-mpc-nazval-uvrachevanije-raskola-chudom-bozhiim the first joint Divine Liturgy of the Serbian and Macedonian Churches] took place in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Temple_of_Saint_Sava_(Belgrade) Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade] after the restoration of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Full_communion canonical communion].  At this Divine Liturgy, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Porfirije_(Peric) Patriarch Porfirije (Perić)] and Archbishop Stefan (Veljanovski) served together, as did the bishops of both Churches (including [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jovan_Vrani%C5%A1kovski Archbishop Jovan (Vraniškovski)]).  The Patriarch of Serbia [http://www.spc.rs/eng/serbian_patriarch_porfirije_handed_tomos_confirming_autocephaly_macedonian_orthodox_church_archdioce presented the Archbishop of Macedonia with the official document of reconciliation].

The "Romfea.gr" web-site [https://www.romfea.gr/component/content/category/42-romfea-in-english?_x_tr_sl=el&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc reported] that after this Divine Liturgy, the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church had “noted that [https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2367&context=ree overcoming the schism and restoring canonical communion with the Macedonian Church is a miracle of God]”.  He further stated, “Let us rejoice and be glad, brothers, because now the fulness of the Church rejoices, heaven and earth rejoice, all the saints and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sava_of_Serbia Saint Sava] rejoice”.  On his part, [https://mk-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%90%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF_%D0%9E%D1%85%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B4%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%B8_%D0%9C%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8_%D0%B3.%D0%B3._%D0%A1%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%B0%D0%BD?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Archbishop Stefan (Veljanovski) of Ohrid and Macedonia] noted that the Faithful of Macedonia thank God for the reunion with the Mother Church.  He added, "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_Orthodox_Church#Recognized_autocephaly The Macedonian Orthodox Church - Ohrid Archdiocese], striving to preserve the unity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Spirit the Spirit] through the bonds of peace, will continue the path leading and serving the cause of peace and mutual development".  


[[File:Patrijar porfirije uruchuje tomos arhiepiskopu stefanu 2.png]]  '''Presentation of the Tomos of Autonomy by Patriarch Porfirije to Archbishop Stefan'''


[[File:Храм Светог Саве Сербског у Биограду 2.png]]  '''Saint Sava Sobor, Belgrade'''


==The Church of Serbia recognises the autocephaly of the Church of Macedonia, 2022===

On Tuesday, 24 May, 2022, in a joint Primatial Divine Liturgy for the Feast of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cyril_and_Methodius Saints Cyril and Methodius] (offered in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_St._Clement_of_Ohrid Cathedral of Saint Clement of Ohrid], in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skopje Skopje], Macedonia), [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Porfirije_(Peric) Patriarch Porfirije (Perić)], the head of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Serbia Serbian Orthodox Church], announced that the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church had recognised the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autocephaly autocephaly] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Macedonian_Orthodox_Church Macedonian Orthodox Church]. 


[[File:Celebration of Serbian and Macedonian Bishops in Skopje 2.png]]  '''Concelebration of Serbian and Macedonian bishops in Saint Clement of Ohrid Cathedral, Skopje'''


[[File:Church of St. Clement of Ohrid in North Macedonia 1.png]]  '''Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, Skopje'''


At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia addressed Archbishop Stefan and his entourage : 
  Mostly thanks to your prayers, brothers and sisters, and thanks to the prayers 
  of all the saints, we established unity. 
   
  And now, we bring you one more piece of good news – that the Holy Synod 
  of the Serbian Orthodox Church has unanimously met the pleas of the 
  Macedonian Orthodox Church, and has accepted and recognised its autocephaly.  
  We are sure that all other Churches will receive this news with joy. 
Archbishop Stefan responded with the words, 
  May God allow that this act of love be eternal.  


[[File:Archbishop-of-Ohrid-Stephan-and-Patriarch-of-Serbia-Porphyry-DOXOLOGIA-INFONEWS-768x455 2.png]]  '''Archbishop Stefan with Patriarch Porfirije'''


Further recognitions and concelebrations followed. 


==The Church of Bulgaria recognises the autocephaly of the Church of Macedonia, 2022==

At its session on 13 December, 2022, [https://orthochristian.com/150039.html the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church] “accepted with spiritual joy” the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Tomos Tomos of Autocephaly] given to the Macedonian Orthodox Church on 5 June, 2022.

The Bulgarian Synod had already [https://orthochristian.com/146841.html accepted the canonicity of the Macedonian Orthodox Church in June, 2022], though without reference to its autocephaly.

In the tomos, the Serbian Church recommended that the Macedonian Orthodox Church “resolve the issue of its official name through fraternal dialogue with the hellenophone (“Greek-speaking”) and other Local Orthodox Churches”.  

Greek-speaking Churches objected to the title “Macedonian”, as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonia_(region) Macedonia] is also the name of a region in Greece, while the Bulgarian Church objects to the title “Ohrid”, as it understands itself as the continuation of the [https://www.poa-info.org/library/churchhistory/20180927.html ancient Ohrid Archbishopric].

Thus, according to the Synodal decision, until a pan-Orthodox decision on the name of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, its primate would be commemorated by [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Neophyte_(Dimitrov) Patriarch Neofit (Dimitrov)] of Bulgaria during the Divine services as “His Beatitude Stefan, Archbishop of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Macedonia North Macedonia]”. 

Thus, by this time, the autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church was now recognised by the Churches of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russia], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Poland Poland], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church Ukraine], and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Bulgaria Bulgaria], in addition to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Serbia Serbian Church].
 
Conversely, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Greece Church of Greece] explicitly rejected the Macedonian Orthodox Church’s autocephaly on the grounds that only [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Constantinople] can grant autocephaly, though it nevertheless accepted the Macedonian Orthodox Church as canonical, following the earlier decision of Constantinople.

The [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Antioch Antiochian Patriarchate] has also accepted the canonicity of the Macedonian Orthodox Church and entered into communion with it, though with the “aspiration that the general Orthodox consensus about the name and legal status of this Church will be reached as soon as possible”.  


[[File:Bulgarian Patriarch Neofit and Archbishop Stephan 2.png]]  '''Archbishop Stefan with Patriarch Neofit'''


==The Church of Romania recognises the autocephaly of the Church of Macedonia, 2023==

On 9 February, 2023, the Holy Synod of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Romania Church of Romania] [https://orthochristian.com/150966.html decided to recognise] the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autocephaly autocephaly] of the Church of Macedonia.  
Meeting under the chairmanship of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Daniel_(Ciobotea) Patriarch Daniel (Ciobotea)], the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church resolved to approve the recognition of the autocephaly granted to the Church in the Republic of North Macedonia under the name of “Archdiocese of Ohrid and North Macedonia, with headquarters in Skopje” by the Patriarchate of Serbia in its Synodal Tomos issued on 5 June, 2022.  Its [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Primate Primate] would be commemorated with the title “His Beatitude Archbishop Stefan of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohrid Ohrid], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skopje Skopje] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Macedonia North Macedonia]”.  

At this time, the autocephaly of the Macedonian Church was recognised by the Churches of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russia], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Poland Poland], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church Ukraine], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Bulgaria Bulgaria], and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Romania Romania], in addition to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Serbia Church of Serbia].  Although the Churches of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Constantinople], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Antioch Antioch] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Greece Greece] did not accept the autocephaly of the Church of Macedonia, they did accept that the Church of Macedonia was a canonical and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autonomy Autonomous] Church.  

By way of clarification, on 13 February, 2023, the Romanian Church’s [https://basilica.ro/en/  Basilica News Agency] issued a follow-up statement.  There was issued a clarifying statement, which explained that the Romanian Synod recognised the right of a Mother Church to grant [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autocephaly autocephaly] to its daughter Church, while recognition of that autocephaly belongs to the whole Orthodox Church, expressed eventually in the form of a tomos signed by all the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Primate Primates] of the autocephalous Orthodox Churches, in the order of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Diptychs Diptychs], within the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Synaxis_(disambiguation) Synaxis] of the Primates of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/List_of_autocephalous_and_autonomous_churches Orthodox Churches].  




– Metropolitan of Zletovo and Strumica  1986-1987.

– Metropolitan of America and Canada  1987-1989.

– Metropolitan of Bregalnica  1989-1999.

– Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia  1999-____.  Preceded by : [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mihail_Gogov Archbishop Michael (Gogov)].      Succeeded by : ____.

==Reflections==

==Writings==

• In 1990, Metropolitan Stefan (Veljanovski) served as Editor-in-Chief of "Црковниот живот" ("Church Life"), the official gazette of the Church of Macedonia

==References==

[https://www-m--p--c-org.translate.goog/?page_id=15&_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Macedonian Orthodox Church biography]   

[https://sr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/Стефан_Вељановски?_x_tr_sl=sr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Serbian Wikipedia biography]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefan,_Archbishop_of_Ohrid_and_Macedonia Wikipedia biography] 

[https://www-macedonism-org.translate.goog/%D0%9C%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0-%D0%95%D0%BD%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0/%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%B0%D0%BD-%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF-%D0%BE%D1%85%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B4%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8-%D0%B8-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BE/?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Macedonian Encyclopaedia biographical entry] 

[https://dic-academic-ru.translate.goog/dic.nsf/ruwiki/1872981?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Academic Dictionary biography]

[https://orthodoxia.ch/en/name/786/show Orthodoxia.ch service record]  


'''Additional information :'''

[https://www-m--p--c-org.translate.goog/?page_id=15&_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Orthodox Church of Macedonia web-site]     

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Macedonian_Orthodox_Church Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Macedonia] 

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedonian_Orthodox_Church Wikipedia article about the Church of Macedonia] 

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_heads_of_the_Macedonian_Orthodox_Church Wikipedia list of heads of the Church of Macedonia]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Macedonian_Orthodox_churches_in_Canada Wikipedia list of Macedonian Orthodox Churches in Canada]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Clement_of_Ohrid_Macedonian_Orthodox_Cathedral,_Toronto Macedonian Orthodox Diocese of America and Canada]  

[https://cnewa.org/eastern-christian-churches/orthodox-church/orthodox-churches-of-irregular-status/the-macedonian-orthodox-church/ CNEWA History of the Macedonian Orthodox Church]  

[https://www-ohridnews-com.translate.goog/na-deneshen-den-vo-ohrid-ustolichen-e-poglavarot-na-mpc-g-g-stefan/?_x_tr_sl=mk&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Tenth Anniversary of the Election of Metropolitan Stefan (Veljanovski) to be the Archbishop of the Macedonian Orthodox Church]  (9-10 October, 2019)  

[https://orthodoxtimes.com/phanar-yes-to-the-recognition-no-to-macedonia-for-the-archdiocese-of-ohrid/ Orthodox Times : Phanar Yes to the Recognition No to Macedonia for the Archdiocese of Ohrid]  (9 May, 2022)  

[https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1184029/north-macedonia-welcomes-patriarchates-recognition-of-church-of-ohrid/amp/ Ekathimerini article : Macedonia welcomes Patriarchate's Recognition of Church of Ohrid]  (10 May, 2022)

[https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ts/news/world/europe/2022/05/24/churches-of-serbia-north-macedonia-end-decades-old-dispute.html Churches of Serbia, North Macedonia end decades old Dispute]  (24 May, 2022) 

[https://umdiaspora.org/2022/05/26/umd-lauds-the-historic-agreement-granting-autocephaly-to-macedonian-orthodox-church-ohrid-archbishopric/ Historic Agreement granting Autocephaly to Macedonian Orthodox Church, Ohrid Archbishopric]   (26 May, 2022)

[https://orthodoxtimes.com/bartholomew-to-stefanos-of-ohrid-your-course-from-now-on-depends-solely-on-your-own-behavior-photos/ Orthodox Times : Bartholomew to Stefanos of Ohrid, your Course from now on depends solely on your own Behaviour]  (13 June, 2022) 





[[Category:Bishops]] [[Category:SP]]  [[Category:MOC]]