Feature story
The visit followed concerns raised by the WCC 11th Assembly in 2022 and the WCC central committee in 2023 about the “volatile situation in Kosovo and Metohija” and its impact on the legal and religious rights of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The delegation visited the Serbian Orthodox Theological Seminary in Prizren, where they were warmly received by diocesan and seminary leaders. They toured historical Serbian Orthodox sites, including the 14th-century Cathedral of the Holy Virgin of Ljeviš, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, witnessing firsthand the destruction the church had endured.
A significant part of the visit was to the Visoki Dečani Monastery, another 14th-century UNESCO site. Abbot Fr Sava Janjić discussed the many challenges faced by the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo, including the destruction of cultural and religious heritage, desecration of graveyards, damage to churches, and cultural appropriation. He emphasized that, despite legal protections, Kosovo institutions often undermine Serbian Orthodox Church property rights and the protection of holy sites. Fr Sava expressed concern about historical revisionism aimed at eroding the Serbian Orthodox identity of these sites. The monastery itself has been under NATO protection for 25 years due to security concerns.
In response, Pillay reaffirmed the WCC’s commitment to supporting the Serbian Orthodox Church. He highlighted the need to safeguard the human rights of the Serbian minority and the Serbian Orthodox Church’s legal rights, stressing the importance of preserving churches and holy sites. Pillay expressed concerns about cultural appropriation and historical revisionism and called for the Kosovo authorities to respect legal protections for the Serbian Orthodox Church. He also appreciated the presence and protection offered by NATO to the Serbians in Kosovo and Metohija.
Image
Photo:
WCC
Pillay and Jeftić visited the Peć Patriarchate Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been the spiritual center of the Serbian Orthodox Church since the 13th century. Later, they arrived at the Gračanica Monastery, another 14th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, where they met with Mr Aleksandar Radovanović, head of the diocese’s Legal Department, and other local leaders.
Discussions at Gračanica Monastery focused on the legal difficulties the Serbian Orthodox Church is facing in Kosovo and Metohija. Radovanović expressed disappointment with the Kosovo authorities, stating that they frequently take actions that infringe on fundamental freedoms. Examples included banning visits by the Serbian Patriarch—a right guaranteed by Kosovo law—and restricting clergy and faithful access to certain holy sites. He emphasized the need for an internationally guaranteed and supervised status for the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo as part of the ongoing dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
Pillay expressed grave concerns about banning the Serbian Patriarch from entering Kosovo, depriving him of the right to offer ministry to leaders and members of his church. Pillay also supported the initiative to ensure a special and supervised status for the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo.
The visit was of great importance to the local community. Živojin Rakočević, a local journalist and writer, expressed gratitude for the WCC’s visit, saying, “We feel heard and supported.” He hoped that the visit would make a positive impact on the local Orthodox community, which he described as marginalized and living in ghettos.
Pillay expressed solidarity with the local Orthodox community, acknowledging the difficult circumstances they face. “We want you to know that you are not alone,” he assured. He emphasized the WCC’s mission, which is rooted in justice, reconciliation, and unity, and pledged the WCC’s ongoing support.
The visit concluded the WCC’s three-day trip to Serbia and the local member churches.
WCC general secretary to visit member churches in Serbia - WCC news release, 2 September 2024
