Prince Philip Karađorđević on the Feast of Saints Apostles Peter and Paul at Hilandar

His Royal Highness Prince Philip Karađorđević visited Hilandar Monastery for a two-day visit. The monastery’s abbot welcomed the Prince, the Most Reverend Archimandrite Metodije, along with the brotherhood.

Exactly one year after his first visit to Hilandar, during which he attended the vigil and the Holy Liturgy on the feast of the miraculous icon of the Most Holy “The Three-handed” Theotokos, Prince Philip returned this year for the festive vigil and the feast of Saints Apostles Peter and Paul (Petrovdan).

Regarding his visit to Hilandar, His Royal Highness stated: “Less than a year after my first visit, I have returned to our Holy Imperial Serbian Lavra, Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos. The feeling is exceptional, and the warmth, cordiality, and hospitality shown to me by the Most Reverend Abbot Methodius and the brotherhood have deeply touched me. The respect extended to the Karađorđević royal family and the deeds of my ancestors in this institution make me equally proud and committed. As a symbolic gesture, I presented the abbot with a cross from the recent baptism of my daughter, Princess Maria.

The unbroken center of our spirituality and history has always drawn and inspired me. Today also marks the birthday of my great-grandfather, King Peter I, the Liberator, who held similar feelings toward Hilandar—an enduring place beyond time. Few nations inherit such treasure, and our destinies are indissolubly linked.

I will attend the Holy Liturgy tomorrow during the great feast of Saints Apostles Peter and Paul. I will pray to the Most Holy “The Three-handed” Theotokos for the health and progress of our House and our people.”

During the service, together with the Hilandar monks, the Byzantine choir ‘St. Simeon the Myrrh-Streamer’ sang. This choir had recently performed at Princess Maria’s baptism.

Abbot Methodius gifted Prince Philip a silk scarf from the ‘Hilandar Heritage’ collection. The scarf features the motif of the ‘Desert Lily,’ an ornament from a 17th-century Hilandar manuscript.

While at Hilandar, His Royal Highness toured the restoration works on the monastery compound, accompanied by Abbot Methodius and the first epitropos, Monk Theodosius. The Prince was informed about the plan to complete the restoration of the fire-damaged section of the monastery by the end of next year.

Continuing the visit, Prince Philip also visited the monastery infirmary, where Serbian doctors provide continuous medical services throughout the year under the organization of the Hilandar Medical Society.