President of Serbia intends to help Serbian Church in Montenegro
Serbian President Alexander Vučić. Photo: eadaily.com
On December 31, 2019, the head of the Serbian state announced his desire to help the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro due to the adoption of the law on religious freedom by the parliament of that country. It is reported by the Eadaily publication.
President Alexander Vučić is going to discuss the church situation with Patriarch Irinej of Serbia to find out how the authorities can help the Serbian Church in Montenegro.
At the same time, Vučić stressed that Serbia will not interfere in the internal affairs of Montenegro.
“We can only respect the decision of this nation, respect Montenegro, but we also respect our nation. At the same time, I do my best not to spoil relations with Montenegro,” the president said on O2 television channel.
He also added that he intends to invite Patriarch Irinej to set up a commission of lawyers, which will decide what international organizations Belgrade can appeal to regarding the Montenegrin law on religious freedom.
“We will discuss how one can help our Church. I’m not good with metropolises and dioceses, for me there is only the Serbian Orthodox Church,” said Vučić.
As reported by the UOJ, on December 28, the President of Montenegro signed the law “On Freedom of Religion and Belief and the Legal Status of Religious Communities”, which threatens the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church, which caused a wave of protests from Montenegrin believers.
The Montenegrin police used force against protesters, among whom were representatives of the clergy and believers of the Serbian Orthodox Church; for example, during the protest rally on the Djurdzhevich Tara bridge, which is located at the crossroads between the cities of Mojkovac, Zabljak and Pljevlja, law enforcement officers brutally beat Bishop Methodije (Ostoich) of Diokleia, rector of the Cetinje Monastery, and several believers.
On the evening of December 31, 2019, in Montenegro in Nikšić on Freedom Square, more than 10,000 believers gathered for a prayer in defense of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.