The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, attended the opening of the Book Fair in Matica Makedonska.
The fair lasts until February 20, and within this period, the good word lovers will be given the opportunity to buy books on significantly reduced prices. The opening ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Culture, Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska.
President Ivanov stressed the importance of such events, putting emphasis on the fact that reading and writing books is his vocation.
- This is an extraordinary production of titles and there are many things one can learn about the time we live in, the events of the past that are repeated at present times in a very different way. The book simply opens our eyes - President Ivanov stressed.

The Minister of Culture reiterated why this book fair is important and appealed people to visit the fair.
- These actions are great opportunity for the readers to be closer to the intellectual education trends, to have the opportunity to buy books they really want to read. I am a big fan of reading and I recommend everyone to read as much as possible - Minister Kanceska-Milevska said.
The Minister stressed that the Ministry of Culture supports maximally publishing and stressed the importance of organizing such events more frequently.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, accompanied by the Ambassador of European Affairs of Hungary Georg von Habsburg, attended the ceremony celebrating the Epiphany in Veles.

Before thousands of people gathered together in Veles, the Metropolitan of Vardar Agatangel, hallowed the waters of the river Vardar. Among those people who jumped into the river, most successful was Zoran Miladinov, for the second time, to catch the Holy Cross, which is believed to bring him good luck throughout the year.

President Ivanov and Ambassador Habsburg had a meeting with Bishop Agatangel, Mayor Goran Petrov and MPs from Veles.

On the occasion of feasting the day of St. Stephan and the third day of Christmas, the Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Stephen, today hosted a traditional Christmas lunch for the state leadership of the Republic of Macedonia. The Christmas lunch was attended by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski and the President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Nikola Gruevski. The Christmas lunch was held at the residence of the Archbishop Stephen of Ohrid and Macedonia.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today attended the central celebration of the Nativity of Christ - Christmas at the Cathedral “St. Clement of Ohrid” in Skopje, where the Archbishop Stephen of Ohrid and Macedonia held a holy liturgy.


President Ivanov, after the liturgy, sent congratulations on the occasion of Christmas to all Orthodox citizens and wished them health, happiness, success and serenity. I wish luck, happiness and success in life to all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia who celebrate the Nativity of Christ - Christmas.

These are moments when we all should be more concordant, united, as our tradition says, in such moments there is a possibility all set goals to be met. With the traditional saying “Christ is Born” I wish happiness and joy in life to all Orthodox Christians, President Ivanov said after the liturgy.


The central celebration of the Nativity of Christ - Christmas at the Cathedral “St. Clement of Ohrid” was attended by the President of the Assembly, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski, the President of the Government, Mr. Nikola Gruevski, the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Vasko Naumovski, the Director of the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups, Ms. Valentina Bozinovska, the Mayor of the City of Skopje, Mr. Koce Trajanovski and other characters from the public life in the Republic of Macedonia.

Thirty children from the SOS Children’s Village Skopje today, on the occasion of Noel and Christmas Eve, visited Ivanov’s home. With the Noel traditional songs, in front of the door of the Presidential residence, the children announced their arrival. At the entrance, they were welcomed by President Ivanov, his spouse Maja and their son Ivan. After the traditional Noel song, the hosts invited the children in their home and gave them Noel presents: chestnuts, nuts, sweets, fruit and coins. The children played with the dog Alex, Ivanov’s pet.

The Secretary General within the Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Boris Josifovski, today on the occasion of New Year's holidays, visited the members of the Macedonian branch of the International Special Olympics.

The Secretary General particularly welcomed the work of the volunteers who are committed to assisting the sport activities of the members of the Special Olympics and used the opportunity to wish joyful and successful New Year to all Special Olympics participants, wishing them in 2011 to best represent Macedonia and be our pride.

At the meeting, the Secretary General stressed the appreciation of the President of the Republic of Macedonia for the work of the Special Olympics Macedonia, saying that President Ivanov personally particularly supports the activities related to persons with disabilities. Boris Josifovski noted that, as patron of the activities of the Macedonian branch of Special Olympics, the Cabinet of the President will continue to provide any possible support.