Montenegrin authorities sign an agreement with Serbian Orthodox Church

On August 3, 2022, Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church and Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazović signed the main agreement on relations between the Serbian Church and the state. This is reported by the official website of the Government of the Republic.

Prime Minister Abazović  noted that the Montenegrin Government intends to give all religious communities the same rights and that the authorities will be happy if today's act contributes to this.

Patriarch Porfirije expressed gratitude for reaching an agreement on the rights of the Serbian Church in Montenegro.

“I am grateful… to all those who, since 2012, have been adding pebbles to the mosaic of the road that has led us to this moment,” said the Primate of the SOC.

Vladyka noted that Montenegro and the SOC need the treaty, since it ensures the rights of the Serbian Church alongside other religious communities in the country. He appealed to all citizens of Montenegro, regardless of their religion and nationality. “We have a lot in common <...> Centuries have shown that we need each other and we can do everything when we are together and when there is a place in our hearts for each other,” the Primate said.

“May the Lord bless you and give health and peace to you and your loved ones, as well as to all people living in Montenegro and worldwide,” concluded Patriarch Porfirije.

Recall that the basic principles of the agreement between the Serbian Orthodox Church and the State of Montenegro were developed over several years and expected to be signed from the beginning of 2021.

As the UOJ wrote, the SOC fears a new aggravation of the situation in Kosovo.

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The Patriarch reminded that the mission of the Church is not to solve social or political problems, but to preach Christ.