As a proud Mason of the United Grand Lodge of England, with deep Macedonian roots, last weekend I had the extraordinary honour of attending the 20th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Macedonia, alongside the 25th Anniversary of Lodge Skopje and the 30th Anniversary of the beginnings of Masonic activities in Macedonia.
The celebrations, held in Skopje from 17th to 19th October 2025, brought together brethren from across the world. The Jubilee featured ceremonial gatherings, the International Freemasonry Conference, and numerous opportunities for fellowship and reflection. The warmth, hospitality, and impeccable organisation of the events made the experience truly unforgettable.
It was profoundly inspiring to witness Macedonian Masonry flourishing – preserving its traditions while fostering the spirit of fraternity across borders.
As our Masonic teachings remind us:
“…As a citizen of the world, to be exemplary – by never losing sight of the allegiance due to the Sovereign of your native land, ever remembering that nature has implanted in your breast a sacred and indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you derived your birth and infant nurture.”
For me, that country is Macedonia.
Attending the celebrations reinforced the timeless Masonic principles of loyalty, civic duty, and universal brotherhood, reminding me of the enduring bonds that unite Masons across nations and traditions.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Macedonia, MW Bro. Marjan Gerasimov, Past Grand Master MW Bro. Mayo Bojadjiev, and all the brethren who contributed to making this milestone occasion so memorable.
The History of Regular Freemasonry in Macedonia
(The light of regular Freemasonry in Macedonia was given by UGLE)
The journey of regular Freemasonry in Macedonia began in 1996, when a number of Macedonian citizens were initiated in London with the vision of establishing a regular lodge in Skopje. These brethren, while active members of their London lodges, were authorised to hold Lodges of Instruction in Skopje — laying the groundwork for what would become a flourishing Masonic tradition.
By 2000, their number had grown to twenty-three, several of whom were Past Masters. This led to the consecration of Skopje Lodge, under warrant number 9721, on 2nd October 2000 by officers from the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), assisted by the Grand Lodge of Austria.
Two additional lodges soon followed: Unity Lodge No. 9749, consecrated on 8th February 2002, and White Dawns Lodge No. 9765, consecrated on 20th June 2003. With these three lodges, the necessary foundation was laid for the formation of a sovereign Grand Lodge.
On 30th September 2005, the Grand Lodge of Macedonia (GLM) was formally consecrated by the United Grand Lodge of England, with Spencer Compton, 7th Marquess of Northampton, Pro Grand Master, presiding as the consecrating officer.
The three founding lodges retained their English warrant numbers while receiving Macedonian designations:
• Skopje Lodge 9721, No. 1 (working in English)
• Unity Lodge 9749, No. 2 (working in Macedonian)
• White Dawns Lodge 9765, No. 3 (working in Macedonian)
Since then, Macedonian Freemasonry has continued to grow. The Grand Lodge of Macedonia now proudly counts eight active lodges, each upholding the principles of regularity, integrity, and brotherly love that define our Craft.
The 2025 Jubilee celebrations were not only a commemoration of two decades of Masonic light in Macedonia, but also a reminder of how our fraternity continues to build bridges across nations – promoting harmony, peace, and mutual understanding, the very essence of Freemasonry itself.
