The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today was awarded with the highest decoration of the Order of “Saint Lazarus” of Jerusalem.

I consider this act of today a gesture of great recognition. Macedonia is an ancient country, a country committed to God since past times, in which true values live and are cherished, President Ivanov said today at the presentation of the decoration. President Ivanov expressed his appreciation for the commitment of the Order of “Saint Lazarus” in nurturing our common and shared values. The honor you have given me today, for me is a pledge. I will personally, as well as my country, adhere to the nurturing of this brotherhood of true friends and the values that make us real people, the Macedonian President said.

Don Carlos Gererda de Borbon from the Order of St. Lazarus, presenting the award to President Ivanov expressed satisfaction to be in Macedonia especially after the celebration of 20th anniversary of the country’s independence. By opening of our office in Macedonia, your country will be one of the most important missions in the world, Gereda de Borbon said. He reminded that the Order of St. Lazarus was established in the 11th century. We exist for 900 years and our goal is to help people in need. Our Order is old but also modern. In the 13th century we allowed women to become members so it means we are modern and before the time. From the 18th century we started to accept members from Orthodox Christians, Protestant, Catholics, and by this we are special, said Don Carlos Gererda de Borbon adding that their Order is spreading rapidly in the world from Australia, Canada, Japan, Indonesia...

President Ivanov thanked Lazar Lazarov, Ilija Dzonov, Gjoko Dinev, Petar Dzalev and other prominent members of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem in Macedonia.

The Order of "Saint Lazarus" of Jerusalem is one of the oldest orders in Christianity, having as members heads of state, governments, royalty and intellectuals from all over the world.