Thousands of Orthodox faithful gathered across North Macedonia to commemorate St. Naum of Ohrid, one of the founders of Slavic monasticism, with celebrations that also highlighted growing cooperation between the Macedonian and Albanian Orthodox Churches.

On the eve of the feast, Metropolitan Anastasy of Korçë of the Albanian Orthodox Church visited the Monastery of St. Naum on the shores of Lake Ohrid, where he venerated the saint's relics and met with Metropolitan Georgij of Debar and Kičevo of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

During their meeting, the two hierarchs discussed cooperation between neighboring dioceses and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ecclesiastical ties between the two countries.

On the feast day itself, festive Divine Liturgies were celebrated in monasteries and churches throughout North Macedonia. Services were led by Archbishop Stefan of Ohrid and North Macedonia, Metropolitan Joseph of Tetovo and Gostivar, and other bishops. In many parishes, large numbers of worshippers received Holy Communion.

St. Naum of Ohrid is one of the most revered saints in the history of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. A disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius and a close associate of St. Clement of Ohrid, he played a leading role in the Ohrid Literary School, which was instrumental in spreading Slavic literacy and Christianity throughout the Balkans. Church tradition also recognizes him as one of the founders of Slavic monasticism.

The Monastery of St. Naum, founded by the saint on the shores of Lake Ohrid, houses his relics and remains one of North Macedonia's foremost Orthodox shrines and the country's largest pilgrimage destination. Together with St. Clement of Ohrid, St. Naum is regarded as one of the principal heavenly patrons of the Macedonian Orthodox Church and a symbol of the nation's spiritual and cultural heritage.

In his homily, Metropolitan Joseph encouraged the faithful to follow the example of St. Naum, saying that the saint's educational and missionary legacy extends far beyond North Macedonia and continues to inspire all Slavic peoples. He added that the life of St. Naum reminds Christians that "faith without good works remains fruitless."