Another distressing incident of vandalism has occurred in Kosovo, as reported by the Diocese of Raška and Prizren. This act of desecration took place at the Church in Međugore during the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, raising concerns about the safety and dignity of the Serbian community in the region.
The Diocese expressed deep sorrow over the destruction of sacred icons and damage caused by bullets to the church, emphasizing the significance of this religious monument as a symbol of the community’s spiritual and cultural identity. The attack sends a message of hostility towards the Serbian population, who are feeling increasingly marginalized and threatened.
Growing Concerns for the Safety of the Serbian Population
The Diocese of Raška highlighted that this incident is part of a larger trend of violence and intimidation targeting the Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija, involving extremist groups and local police forces. Despite 25 years passing since the conflict, ongoing violence and desecration of sacred sites remain largely unpunished, endangering religious heritage and citizen safety.
These acts of aggression deepen ethnic and religious divides, leading to the migration of people from the region and threatening its social and economic stability.
An Appeal to the International Community for Protection
In a statement, the Diocese called on the international community to take immediate action to protect the Serbian population and their religious heritage. Special measures are needed to ensure justice and security, aiming to halt the cycle of violence and intolerance in the region.
The Serbian Orthodox Church is dedicated to promoting peace and reconciliation, emphasizing that true peace requires justice and respect for religious sites. The Diocese urged local authorities to work with international bodies to show that Kosovo can be a place of mutual respect and harmony for all its communities.
Source and photo: Patriarchate of Serbia