Skopje, 9 January 2026 (MIA) — Macedonian Orthodox Church leader Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and Macedonia has invited top state officials to his name day celebration Friday, the church said in a press release.

According to the release, President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski have been invited to celebrate Archbishop Stefan's name day at a reception at his residence.

Metropolitan Hilarion of Bregalnica and Metropolitan Josif of Tetovo and Gostivar will also attend the reception.

The church celebrates Friday the protomartyr Stephen, the first martyr of Christianity, who was the first to suffer for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. mr/