The Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Draga Mastilović PhD, attended the celebration of the Patron Saints' Day of the University of Istočno Sarajevo – Saints Cyril and Methodius. The celebration began with a Holy Hierarchical Liturgy officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostom of Dabar-Bosnia. The traditional blessing and breaking of the slava bread was also held at the Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog.

Minister Mastilović noted that the University of Istočno Sarajevo has celebrated its Patron Saints' Day since 1994, during the wartime period, and described it as an important symbol of the continuity and development of the institution.

"I wish the University of Istočno Sarajevo continued progress and growth, as well as an increasing number of students. The University is also home to the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, which undoubtedly gives a special dimension both to the University and to this celebration," Mastilović said.

His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostom of Dabar-Bosnia stated that Saints Cyril and Methodius, through their mission, laid the foundations of the spiritual and cultural identity of the Slavic peoples.

Addressing those gathered on the occasion of the University's Patron Saints' Day, the Metropolitan emphasised that the Holy Brothers brought not only literacy and education to the Slavic peoples, but also faith in Christ.

He stressed that without spiritual growth and knowledge of Christ as the Son of God, there can be no true meaning in life or genuine social progress.

"What is the most important lesson we must draw? Continuous advancement in knowledge and in the study of everything that makes a person both fulfilled and godly. We must not only pursue the sciences of this world, but also come to know Christ the Lord and recognise Him as the Son of God," Metropolitan Chrysostom said.

The Rector of the University of Istočno Sarajevo, Milan Kulić, pointed out that the University is one of the few higher education institutions in Serbian lands that celebrates a Patron Saints' Day, recalling that the tradition was established shortly after the University's founding in 1992.

"This is a sign that our University continues the tradition of education and enlightenment in this region. It is a very special day for us, and, as is customary, we also organise the promotion of doctoral graduates as part of the celebration," Kulić said.

He added that during the previous year, 11 candidates successfully defended their doctoral dissertations at the University of Istočno Sarajevo, ten of whom will be formally promoted tomorrow, bringing the total number of doctoral graduates promoted by the University to 579.