{"id":21267,"date":"2024-11-29T09:32:54","date_gmt":"2024-11-29T09:32:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/?p=21267"},"modified":"2024-11-29T09:34:23","modified_gmt":"2024-11-29T09:34:23","slug":"iranian-delegation-visits-adriatic-union-college-in-croatia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/iranian-delegation-visits-adriatic-union-college-in-croatia\/","title":{"rendered":"Iranian Delegation Visits Adriatic Union College in Croatia"},"content":{"rendered":"

06 November 2024 | Maru\u0161evec, Croatia [tedNEWS with Dragutin Matak]<\/p>\n

On 6 November 2024, the Adriatic Union College (Adventisti\u010dko Teolo\u0161ko Visoko U\u010dili\u0161te) in Maru\u0161evec, Croatia, hosted a delegation of religious representatives from the Islamic Republic of Iran. This historic meeting underscored the shared spiritual heritage between the Iranian guests and the Adventist community, highlighting connections rooted in biblical and Persian history.<\/p>\n

The seven-member delegation, representing various religious and governmental institutions, was led by Dr Abdulsalam Karimi, Advisor to the President of Iran on Ethnic Groups and Religious Minorities. In his remarks, Dr Karimi stressed the importance of balanced education and spiritual understanding, noting the lack of these qualities in many global leaders.<\/p>\n

A Tradition of Dialogue<\/strong><\/p>\n

This meeting builds on a series of engagements between Croatian Adventist leaders and Iranian representatives, including a 2016 religious delegation visit to Iran and subsequent meetings in 2017. Reflecting on these opportunities for dialogue, organisers emphasised the importance of patience, trust, and shared spiritual values in fostering meaningful relationships. One of the Iranian representatives noted that such meetings highlight humanity\u2019s shared foundation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cDuring our meeting, we did not mention political matters even once, nor did we discuss the American presidential elections,\u201d commented Dr Dragutin Matak, a Croatian pastor recognised for his work in human rights<\/a> and religious liberty. \u201cThis certainly does not mean that those who believe in God have nothing to say about political events. On the contrary,\u201d he shared, explaining that the model for global leadership is not found in liberal capitalism or authoritarian regimes, \u201cbut in living under the banner of unconditional love, joy, optimism, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control.\u201d<\/p>\n

The gathering resonated with biblical themes, drawing parallels between the Persian rulers of antiquity and modern efforts to foster peace and understanding. The Prophet Isaiah\u2019s words about King Cyrus, described as God\u2019s \u201canointed one,\u201d were cited as an example of divine favour extended beyond Jewish rulers. This historical connection served as a reminder of the role faith can play in bridging divides.<\/p>\n

The event also featured contributions from Croatian religious leaders and representatives, including Zlatko Musija, President of the Adriatic Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Radenko D\u017euver, Dean of the Adriatic Union College.<\/p>\n

Gifts and Messages of Unity<\/strong><\/p>\n

The meeting concluded with the exchange of gifts, symbolising goodwill and mutual respect. Each Iranian representative received a Persian-language copy of Patriarchs and Prophets<\/em>, written by Adventist pioneer Ellen G. White, and detailing shared biblical history. The delegation expressed appreciation for the chapters dedicated to the life of Abraham. Additionally, the visitors were gifted a picture book of Croatian castles and gardens, a health-focused booklet reflecting Adventist values, and halal-labelled Kra\u0161 Bajadera chocolates, a Croatian delicacy.<\/p>\n

\"Dr<\/a><\/p>\n

Dr Saeid Khatibzadeh, Iran’s Ambassador to Croatia, reciprocated with handcrafted blue vases, emblematic of Iran’s rich cultural heritage. His address reflected enthusiasm for the dialogue and gratitude for the hospitality extended by the Adventist community.<\/p>\n

Delegation Members<\/strong><\/p>\n

The delegation of religious representatives from the Islamic Republic of Iran included:<\/p>\n