Serbian Church condemns verdict against Patriarch Porfirije in Slovenia

Patriarch Porfirije. Photo: NIN / Đorđe Kojadinović

The Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church has sharply criticized the ruling of the Ljubljana District Court, which issued a guilty verdict against Serbian Patriarch Porfirije and the Serbian Orthodox Church community in Ljubljana, reports the press service of the SOC.

According to the court's ruling, Patriarch Porfirije, who previously headed the Zagreb-Ljubljana Metropolitanate, as well as the church community, received suspended sentences ranging from four months to one year and a fine of ten thousand euros.

The Serbian Church called the decision “scandalous and lacking a legal basis.” The Synod noted that the case is connected to a series of lawsuits filed by former priest Željko Ljubarda and is directed not only against the Primate of the SOC but also against the Church's canonical structure.

"This court ruling is aimed at damaging the structure and dignity of the Serbian Orthodox Church," the Synod's statement reads.

The Holy Synod of Bishops notes that neither the Serbian Patriarch nor his representative had previously been informed of the initiation of the court proceedings.

"Moreover, the Ljubljana District Prosecutor's Office never once invited the Patriarch to comment on the allegations, which in itself sets a precedent and speaks volumes about the intentions behind this legal proceeding," the statement reads.

The Serbian Church believes that the decision disregarded the canonical rights of a bishop to appoint and transfer clergy, as enshrined in the Statute of the SOC. The Synod stressed that church structures and the rights of religious communities must be respected within the framework of the principles of freedom of religion and the rule of law.

The Holy Synod asked Patriarch Porfirije not to file an appeal so as not to lend legitimacy to the proceedings. At the same time, the SOC stated that they believe in the triumph of justice and will continue to defend the independence and dignity of their Church through peaceful legal means.

As the UOJ reported, an eparchy of the Serbian Church expressed protest over the arrests of worshippers in Kosovo.

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