Serbian Patriarch Porfirije and SOC bishops banned from entering Kosovo
Patriarch Porfirije and the bishops were returned from the Merdare border crossing back to central Serbia.
On 13 May, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije and seven other bishops, who were traveling to the Patriarchal Monastery of Peć, the ancient spiritual capital of the Serbian Orthodox Church, for the occasion of the regular session of the Holy Synod, were banned from entering the territory of Kosovo and Metohija by Kosovo authorities, reports the website of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC).
They were stopped at the checkpoint in Pristina and informed that entry into Kosovo and Metohija was prohibited for them.
"The Patriarch calls on all those who have influence on the situation in Kosovo and Metohija to do everything in their power to stop the flagrant violation of the human rights of the Serbian people, including the right to freedom of movement of the Serbian Patriarch, bishops, and clergy. Patriarch Porfirije will not abandon his people in Kosovo and Metohija and will do everything possible to meet with them and pray together with them to God as soon as possible," the statement from the Serbian Orthodox Church press service said.
The Synod will not start its work at the Patriarchate of Peć as planned but in Belgrade at the Saint Sava Temple on Vračar after the Divine Liturgy.
As reported, the Serbian Church has opposed Kosovo's accession to the Council of Europe.
