At the invitation of the Embassy of the United States of America in Montenegro, the Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro, His Eminence Mihailo, attended a ceremonial reception marking the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, held in Podgorica.

Remarks were delivered by the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro, Mr. Michael Kizz, and the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Mr. Milojko Spajić. On this jubilee occasion, Chargé d’Affaires Kizz emphasized that the United States views Montenegro as a capable and reliable ally that continues to strengthen its role as a pillar of regional stability and an example of success for other nations, and that both countries share a deep commitment to freedom, self-determination, the rule of law, and the dignity of every human being.

During the reception, Metropolitan Mihailo had the opportunity to engage with numerous representatives of Montenegrin society and the international community, and to underscore the importance of mutual understanding, tolerance, and a shared commitment to the universal values of freedom and justice.

The event was attended by senior representatives of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, members of parliament from both the ruling coalition and the opposition, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the non-governmental sector, the media, and other distinguished guests from Montenegro’s public and political life.

The Montenegrin Orthodox Church expresses its gratitude to the Embassy of the United States of America for the invitation and for its longstanding support of human rights, freedom of religion, and democratic dialogue in Montenegro. The Church also extends its warmest congratulations to the people and the state of the United States of America on this momentous jubilee — 250 years of freedom.

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Cetinje, 27 June 2026