Vucic: Today, more than ever, we can help our holy sites

HILANDAR MONASTERY - Only a strong and free Serbia can succeed in defending its state and national interests, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said at the Serbian Orthodox monastery of Hilandar on Mt Athos on Monday.

"I am happy that today, more than ever, we can also help our holy sites," Vucic wrote in a post on his avucic Instagram account.

Earlier, he noted that "Serbia must not stop, regardless of the force of the pressure and attacks on it."

"This year will not be an easy one for us Serbs. At Hilandar, every Serb gets encouragement and strength, and I know I will return stronger so that we can push our country forward even more strongly," he noted.

Previously, he said Hilandar was the "image of Serbian strength, power and the fight for survival."

"This holy site has been protecting us for centuries, and the monk's care and prayers for the Serbian nation and Serbia will be protecting and strengthening us in the future, too," noted Vucic, who is accompanied on a visit to the monastery by Serbian Minister without portfolio Nenad Popovic.