The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is pleased to inform the public of a very historic occasion for the Macedonian-American community and the Macedonian Orthodox Church. Today, Congresswoman Candice Miller (Republican-Michigan), Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Macedonia and Macedonian-Americans, arranged for the American flag to be flown above the U.S. Capitol Building in honor of Polosko-Kumanovski Metropolitan Kiril.
UMD notes that this is the first time the American flag has been flown above Congress in honor of any Macedonian. The flag will be hand-delivered by the office of Congresswoman Miller tomorrow to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Macedonian Orthodox Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan in time for the holy liturgy in memory of Metropolitan Kiril who will be officially buried on the same day in Macedonia. In addition, today, Congresswoman Miller entered text recognizing Metropolitan Kiril in the U.S. Congressional Record, and a letter was sent to Michigan’s Macedonian-American community.
Click here for the full letter.
In the Record and the letter, Congresswoman Miller stated the following:
“I had the privilege of meeting Bishop Kiril in the past at your church and can attest to the strength of his conviction as a member of the Macedonian Orthodox faith as well as his firm and unwavering commitment to the moral betterment of the Macedonian people. Bishop Kiril was a true advocate of both the Macedonian Orthodox Church and the people of the Macedonian heritage worldwide and was instrumental in the development and growth of our Southeast Michigan Macedonian community.”
“Bishop Kiril played an integral role in resurrecting the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric, after two hundred years since its abolishment by the Ottoman Sultan, upon returning to Macedonia in 1967 after attending the Moscow Theological Academy. He was the only surviving signatory of the autocephalous declaration and a leading advocate for the establishment of an independent Republic of Macedonia… As a result of his steadfast leadership and resonant influence, Bishop Kiril catalyzed an international expansion of the Macedonian Orthodox faith throughout the course of his lifetime.”
She concluded with the following:
“His presence in the Macedonian Orthodox Church is irreplaceable and his manifold contributions to the people of Macedonia and Macedonians abroad, including our community in Sterling Heights, Michigan, are of lasting value and cornerstone importance. I will cherish my acquaintance with Bishop Kiril, and am truly grateful for his years of service to his Macedonian Orthodox faith and people.”
UMD expresses sincere gratitude to Congresswoman Miller for paying respect to Bishop Kiril in such an historic way and for her continued strong support of our community, and our homeland, Macedonia.