Thousands of believers march against gay pride parade in Belgrade

On August 14, 2022, thousands of people marched through the streets of Belgrade, Serbia, protesting against a Gay Pride parade that is scheduled to take place from September 12 to 18, reports Milica Djurdjevic, the leader of the ‘Zavetnici’ (‘Oathkeepers’) party and a member of the Parliament, on her Facebook page. The procession was organised by the ‘Zavetniki’, Orthodox and patriotic associations.

"In defence of Serbia, family, children, schools and shrines from the announced sodomite humiliation that is aggressively imposed on us by domestic and global LGBT activists. Let us march and pray as a church people's council in defence of Serbia under the banner of St. Sava and St. Theodore of Vršac!" said the leaflets calling for participation in the procession.

The protesters chanted "We will not allow a gay parade and Western occupation", "We will not give up the shrines", and "Hands off our children". People of all ages took part in the action, with many clergymen participating in the event. The protesters carried Serbian flags, crosses and icons. The procession passed in front of the Belgrade residence of the Serbian Patriarchate and ended in front of St. Mark Church in the Tasmajdan park, reports danas.rs.

The organizers reported that Bishop Nicanor blessed the clergy, monks and faithful of the Eparchy of Banat to participate in the anti-Europride rally "Belgrade – City of the Virgin".

The demonstration against the Gay Pride parade took place on the first day of Lent. The organisers called for a religious procession in defence of the shrines on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on 28 August.

"Dignified, peaceful and Christian. For family and tradition. The people do not want Eurotrash in Serbia. This is a signal. Let's keep moving forward together," MP Milica Djurdjevic wrote about the procession.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that he understands the position of the Serbian Orthodox Church. He noted that an official permit for the Gay Pride parade has not yet been issued.

As reported, Serbian civic activists demand a gay pride parade be cancelled in Belgrade.

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