Budva Receives €1 Million Donation for St. Mark’s Church Construction

The Municipality of Budva has announced a significant donation of €1 million for the construction of the St. Mark’s Cathedral, marking a noteworthy collaboration among local political entities. The funds were pledged by Nikola Jovanović, alongside partners from the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) and the European Union (EU), as confirmed in a statement from the New Serbian Democracy (NSD) party.

The statement highlighted the importance of this donation, indicating that it reflects a mutual agreement between Jovanović and his political allies. The NSD expressed their gratitude towards those involved, noting that the support for the construction of this significant religious site is a step towards fostering unity within the community.

In their announcement, the NSD emphasized that this move follows the provision of legal and technical documentation by the Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, led by Minister Radunović. They expressed hope that this donation marks the beginning of a series of actions aimed at expediting the completion of the cathedral.

Despite differing political views, the NSD underscored a shared commitment to the Orthodox Christian faith, stating, “As sincere Orthodox Christians and believers, we welcome this initiative.” They highlighted that the Montenegrin-Primorska Metropolitanate, along with other dioceses of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) in Montenegro, serves as the canonical spiritual home for all Orthodox believers in the country.

The statement further expressed optimism that the donation signals a broader recognition among political leaders of the importance of Christian values and reconciliation in Montenegro’s future. The NSD noted, “This gesture by the DPS and EU, allowing Nikola Jovanović to make this donation, shows readiness to acknowledge that the future of Montenegro lies in Christian and brotherly reconciliation.”

This development is expected to have a lasting impact on the local community, fostering greater collaboration among political parties and strengthening the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. As the construction of St. Mark’s Cathedral progresses, many in Budva hope it will serve as a symbol of unity, reflecting shared beliefs and aspirations among the residents of Montenegro.