Holy Synod of Serbian Church issues statement on situation in Kosovo

On September 27, 2023, the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church issued a statement regarding the tense situation in Kosovo, reports the Serbian Orthodox Church's website.

The Synod expressed its deepest condolences to the relatives of the Serbs and Albanians who perished on September 24 in Banjska, Kosovo.

Calling on believers to pray for peace between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija, the Synod regretfully noted: "… many from Pristina and around the world, and most tragically, even from Belgrade, from different ideological stances, are attempting by all means to portray the Serbian Orthodox Church as a participant, or even instigator, in conflicts and tragic events."

The Synod believes that the goal of those who want to involve the Church in tragic conflicts at any cost is to erase the Serbian Church along with its faithful from Kosovo and Metohija.

"Therefore, we remind you of the uninterrupted presence of the Diocese of Raška and Prizren in Kosovo and Metohija for centuries, and above all, that the Serbian Orthodox Church, with its clergy, monastics, and faithful people, has persevered there through all times, under all conditions, despite the most terrifying persecutions, suffering, and martyrdom of monks, priests, and believers. This endurance has been solely because they were Orthodox Serbs, faithful to the Cross of Christ and the Kosovo Covenant," the statement says.

The Synod highlighted that the Church has always advocated for the resolution of disagreements in Kosovo and Metohija through peaceful means and dialogue, aiming for the peaceful coexistence of Serbs, Albanians, and all other nations living in the region.

"The Serbian Orthodox Church has repeatedly pointed out, especially to the great powers, the extremely dangerous policy of the authorities in Pristina, whose sole goal is the complete expulsion of the Serbian people and the creation of an ethnically Albanian Kosovo," the SOC states.

In the opinion of the Synod, it is precisely for this purpose that countless attacks have been carried out on Serbian holy places, our people, and even on Serbian children.

"In recent months, people have been arrested without any evidence or based on fabricated proofs; land owned by Serbs has been seized. In short, Kosovo and Metohija are today lawless lands where there is neither freedom nor a minimum of normal life for Serbs," reads the statement.

"To our brothers and sisters in Kosovo and Metohija, we send a message of boundless love and paternal care. The Serbian Church will continue to generously aid you, our much-afflicted but unyielding, proud people in Kosovo and Metohija…," the statement concludes.

The Synod emphasized that "for the Serbian Orthodox Church, Kosovo and Metohija are an inseparable part of the state of Serbia" and stated that they support and encourage the continuation of peaceful dialogue to achieve peace and resolve vital issues for all residents of this province.

As reported, the military attacked a Serbian Orthodox Church monastery in Kosovo.