Macedonians in the United Kingdom

My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds

“My Diaries – Bridging Two Worlds” is a personal column reflecting the experiences, thoughts, and stories of a Macedonian living in the UK. Through these diaries, we explore culture, heritage, current affairs, and everyday life, connecting our roots with life abroad. This is a space for insight, reflection, and the voices that bridge two worlds.

At Easter and other major Christian holidays, Macedonians in the UK usually gather around the church. The Macedonian Orthodox Church in the UK remain the only permanently active organised structure that consistently bring people together and preserve our faith, language, and identity. As someone who has been involved in founding […]

Christ is Risen. Indeed he is risen!

15/04/2026 in My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds by Kiko

Recently, I received an invitation from fellow Macedonians in Oxfordshire to attend the very first Macedonian Orthodox liturgy in their area – the beginning of a new parish. Hearing about this milestone filled me with nostalgia, as it reminded me of the early days of our own community in London, […]

The Growth of the Macedonian Orthodox Community in the UK

23/02/2026 in My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds by Kiko

I had the privilege of attending the pre-screening of The Tale of Silyan, the remarkable new film by Tamara Kotevska. While the title may suggest a story about a stork, the film is so much more—it is a reflection of all of us who have left our homeland, of our […]

Reflecting on The Tale of Silyan: A Story of Us ...

09/12/2025 in My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds by Kiko

I have received this information from someone I know, and I feel it is important to share: “I earned my Master of Engineering (MEng) in Civil Engineering from City University of London – one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom. My integrated master’s degree is fully aligned with […]

Education, Brain Drain, UK and Macedonia

07/11/2025 in My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds by Kiko

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 […]

Celebrating 20 Years of the Grand Lodge of Macedonia: A ...

20/10/2025 in My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds by Kiko

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a truly remarkable event hosted by the Turkish Embassy in collaboration with the Macedonian Embassy. The concert brought together the rich traditions of Macedonia, Scotland, and Turkey, all through the mesmerizing sound of the bagpipe. The artists performing were Sashko Mitev from […]

A Night of Music Connecting Three Countries

25/09/2025 in My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds by Kiko

I have just returned from my beloved country, Macedonia, with mixed feelings. The heat was high – and not only from the summer sun. With local elections ahead, Macedonia seems set for a hot autumn as well. Among the political debates, one in particular caught my attention: the exchange between […]

Macedonia’s Music: From Nostalgia to Global Brand

31/08/2025 in My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds by Kiko

“Пуши, пуши, пушиме, гајле си немаме, пуши цела нација, со гаранција!” – Владо Јаневски Macedonia is a land of rich aromas—where the air is thick with the scent of roasted peppers in autumn, the floral perfume of acacia in spring, and the earthy essence of mountain herbs all year round. Every […]

Smell of Macedonia: A Return with Cigarette Smoke

31/08/2025 in My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds by Kiko

🇲🇰 In the collective memory of Macedonians, names like Goce Delčev, Dame Gruev, and the Ilinden Uprising are sacred. They represent sacrifice, resistance, and an unyielding desire for self-determination. These symbols form the bedrock of our national identity. But is it enough to only look back? The question we must […]

From Tavče Gravče to AI: Redefining the Modern Macedonian Identity

31/08/2025 in My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds by Kiko

🇬🇧🇲🇰 As someone who has driven from the UK to North Macedonia nearly every summer for the past decade, I have long experienced an issue that affects not just me, but many in our community and beyond: UK car insurance is still not recognised in North Macedonia. This is not […]

UK Car Insurance Still Not Recognised in North Macedonia

31/08/2025 in My Diaries: Bridging Two Worlds by Kiko