VIA Macedonia Pavlina Manavska Romans once constructed roads paved with large polygonal stone slabs, covered with hard layer of sand, primarily so that they would mark the territory of Roman colonies but most importantly they were a direct connection to Rome. “Via Egnatia” is a significant part of our history, passing through several countries and one of them is Macedonia. It’s not the same route and it might not be the same goal, but today, we constructed a road paved with humans, sacrifices and fear. “Via Macedonia” is the road I am talking about. Because of its perfect location, it serves as the biggest chain in transition for the refugees coming from Greece. As Macedonia is a small country, and most importantly a developing country, there were no laws about regulating their status until this summer 2015. As they enter the country, they are registered and they have a permission to stay for 72 hours. They get all the basic help they need and have enough time to continue. The number of people entering the country varies, depending on how many people are passing through Greece, for one day it can be from 1000 up to 5000. However, in the past few days the situation has changed. Only people from certain countries at war like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan can cross the border and enter Macedonia, as a result of the new EU policy. But there are a lot of people coming from other countries that find themselves isolated and stranded, just sitting on the ground at the Greek-Macedonian borders not knowing what to do. Some of the refugees, who are left to wait until God knows when, have gone on a hunger strike. They don’t accept food or drinks offered to them from the volunteers but instead they have sewed up their mouth. As the weather temperatures are getting lower, it’s getting colder and they sit on the railroad tracks, watched by the police officers. 38
As Christians we believe we are all God’s children and it’s our responsibility to help each other in need. I pray for these people as well as for wisdom that governments and leaders in this world find a way for how we can all live together in peace.
The United Methodist Church in Macedonia (Diaconia Macedonia) is regularly visiting the boarder in Gevgelija, helping the refugees and providing them with food, water, clothes and blankets. The person responsible for this is Martin Konev. If you wish to help and support the mission your contributions can be made to the following account. EVANGELSKO-METODISTICKA CRKVA Strumica DIACONIA MACEDONIA SPARKASSE BANK MACEDONIA AD SKOPJE Account: 4715519 IBAN: MK07250008000416842 SWIFT: INSBMK 22 in Macedonia
Pavlina Manavska is a 25 year old Methodist from Macedonia. She is currently living and working in Cologne, Germany.