Serbian Patriarch Porfirije and SOC bishops banned from entering Kosovo
Serbian Patriarch Porfirije. Photo: spc.rs
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.
Read also
Pilgrim group from Kyiv Theological Seminary visits Mount Athos
KTS students are making a pilgrimage to the holy sites of Romania, Greece, Mount Athos and Italy.
UOC cathedral celebrates its patronal feast in Ternopil
The service in the cathedral of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia was led by Metropolitan Serhii of Ternopil, concelebrated by four hierarchs.
MinCulture marks centenary of Soviet-era reserve at Lavra's Refectory Church
Representatives of the Ministry of Culture presented awards to the Reserve's employees on the occasion of the anniversary at the Refectory Church of the Lavra.
Conference to mark 1700th anniversary of Christianity adoption held in Georgia
In Georgia, representatives of the Church and the state noted the defining role of Christianity in the country's cultural development.
MP urges to ease pressure on UOC for sake of peace
Oleksii Honcharenko proposed compromises on language, historical memory, and Church issues as part of efforts to achieve peace, saying those who wish to attend the “Russian Church” should be allowed to do so.
Court takes 17th-century church in Staryi Pochaiv from UOC community
A commercial court overturned a 2018 registrar’s decision and stripped the UOC’s Ternopil Eparchy of ownership of the 17th-century church.