Diocese of Raška: Vandalism at Church in Kosovo sparks renewed concerns for safety and heritage

According to an official announcement from the Diocese of Raška and Prizren, yet another disturbing incident of vandalism has occurred in Kosovo, further raising concerns about the safety and dignity of the Serbian community in the region. This latest act of desecration took place at the Church in Međugore, in the Ibarski Kolašin area, during the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos.

The Diocese expressed deep sorrow over the destruction of sacred icons and damage caused by bullets to the church, underscoring the gravity of the situation. “This church is not only a religious monument but a symbol of preserving the spiritual and cultural identity of our community,” the Diocese emphasised. The attack conveys a message of hostility to the Serbian population, which increasingly feels marginalised and threatened.

Growing Concerns for the Safety of the Serbian Population

The Diocese of Raška highlighted that this act is part of a broader trend of violence and intimidation targeting the Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija. The perpetrators range from extremist groups to local police forces. Even after 25 years since the conflict, ongoing violence and desecration of sacred sites remain largely unpunished, endangering not only religious heritage but also the safety and stability of citizens.

These acts of aggression deepen ethnic and religious divides, accelerating the migration of people from the region and threatening the social and economic stability of the area.

An Appeal to the International Community for Protection

In its statement, the Diocese called on the international community to take immediate action to protect the Serbian population and their religious heritage. It urged for special measures to be implemented, ensuring justice and security in an effort to end the cycle of violence and intolerance plaguing the region.

The Serbian Orthodox Church remains committed to fostering peace and reconciliation, asserting that true peace can only be sustained when there is justice and respect for religious sites. The Diocese concluded by urging local authorities to collaborate with international bodies to demonstrate that Kosovo can be a place of mutual respect and harmony for all its communities.

Source and photographs: Patriarchate of Serbia