Metropolitan Teodosije of Raška and Prizren met with NATO Supreme Allied Commander General Alexus G. Grynkewich and KFOR Commander Major General Roberto Vergori at Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo. The Serbian Orthodox Church leader briefed the military officials on the security challenges facing the local Serbian population and clergy. He emphasized that KFOR’s impartial presence is essential for maintaining peace and protecting religious sites, including Visoki Dečani Monastery. The group discussed the importance of freedom of movement and the rule of law. The meeting highlighted ongoing cooperation between the diocese and international peacekeeping forces to ensure community safety. Source: eparhija-prizren.com
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Mario Heller on UnsplashPersecuted church
Metropolitan Teodosije of Raška and Prizren met with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst at Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo. The Metropolitan expressed deep concern regarding the deteriorating security situation for Serbs and the Serbian Orthodox Church. He cited recent demolitions, arrests, and violations of protected zones as evidence of discrimination. The discussion focused on the transfer of security responsibilities from KFOR to Kosovo Police at sensitive sites like Dečani Monastery and the North Mitrovica bridge. The Metropolitan urged the U.S. and NATO to maintain clear security guarantees to prevent instability and ensure the safety of the local Serbian community.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by vuk burgic on UnsplashPersecuted church
The Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Raška and Prizren condemned the placement of Kosovo Liberation Army and Albanian flags on the fence of a historic church in Lipljan, Kosovo. The incident occurred on August 10, leading to the detention of two suspects by local police. The Diocese described the act as a nationalist provocation and intimidation against the remaining Serbian community, rather than simple vandalism. They criticized international assessments of improved security in Kosovo, particularly regarding KFOR's planned withdrawal from nearby monasteries. The Diocese called for a thorough criminal investigation into potential ethnic hatred and urged international bodies to monitor the situation closely.
The Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Raška and Prizren has requested a thorough investigation by Kosovo Police after a church bell was stolen from the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Nedelja in Brnjača, Kosovo. The theft was discovered on July 20 during parish feast day celebrations. The Diocese emphasized that the bell is a consecrated object and its disappearance deeply disturbed the local Orthodox community. Authorities were notified immediately, but circumstances remain unclear. The Diocese urged police to determine if the act involved religious or ethnic intolerance and asked international representatives to monitor the case, citing past failures in protecting Serbian Orthodox sites. Source: eparhija-prizren.com.
On July 6, 2026, Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije and Pastor Dr. Mark Burns, spiritual adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, visited the Visoki Dečani Monastery in Kosovo. The group was welcomed by Metropolitan Theodosije and monastery staff. According to the report, the visitors venerated the relics of Saint King Stefan Dečanski and learned about the site's history. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key center for Serbian spirituality. The visit highlights the cultural significance of the location within the Kosovo and Metohija region.
Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia has written to global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging them to halt a new foreigner law in Kosovo. The Patriarch argues the legislation threatens the Serbian community's access to education and healthcare. He warns that enforcement could cause a mass exodus of Orthodox Serbs and endanger historic Christian sites. The letter highlights the region's cultural heritage and calls for a peaceful resolution to protect human lives and community stability in Kosovo and Metohija.
Major Kornél Horváth, a Hungarian military chaplain, recently returned to Budapest after completing his fifth overseas assignment in Kosovo. Serving with the NATO KFOR contingent, he provides spiritual support to soldiers from various nations, including the US, Slovenia, and Latvia. According to reports, his role helps alleviate homesickness and addresses psychological needs alongside faith-based guidance. The chaplain facilitates multilingual services to ensure international troops can participate. The mission highlights the importance of spiritual care in peacekeeping operations, with support noted by commanders and psychologists within the Hungarian contingent.
Liberty University launched its GO Trips initiative to help students serve globally and domestically. During fall break, teams traveled to Kosovo and New York City. In Kosovo, students worked with local churches on evangelism and community service. In New York, they partnered with ministries to feed the homeless and clean facilities. The program aims to connect students with trusted organizations for missional service. Participants reported that the experiences strengthened their faith and clarified their vocational callings toward ministry.
On July 6, 2026, Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije and Pastor Dr. Mark Burns, spiritual adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, visited the Visoki Dečani Monastery in Kosovo. The group was welcomed by Metropolitan Theodosije and monastery staff. According to the report, the visitors venerated the relics of Saint King Stefan Dečanski and learned about the site's history. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key center for Serbian spirituality. The visit highlights the cultural significance of the location within the Kosovo and Metohija region.
Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia met with young scholarship recipients at the Visoki Dečani Monastery in Kosovo and Metohija on April 13, 2026. Following the Divine Liturgy, he awarded one hundred scholarships from the Sime Igumanov Foundation to students residing in the region. The Patriarch emphasized that Christ must remain central to life and highlighted the importance of selfless offering and justice in distributing aid. A representative from Kosovska Mitrovica expressed gratitude for the support, noting its value for education. The event took place during Paschal Monday, with the Patriarch encouraging youth to choose Christ as the true meaning of life. Source: Patriarchate of Serbia.
In Pristina, Kosovo, Catholic and Muslim communities observed Ash Wednesday and the start of Ramadan in the same week. This rare alignment encourages interfaith tolerance in the Balkan nation, which is over 90 percent Muslim. Catholics gathered at Mother Teresa Cathedral for ash rituals, while Muslims began fasting for the holy month. Local leaders, including priest Don Agim Qerkini and Catholic Dode Palukaj, highlighted shared values of prayer and solidarity. The coincidence of these dates, occurring roughly every 30 years, underscores efforts to promote religious harmony following Kosovo's 1998-99 war for independence from Serbia. Traditional observances continued in Prizren, where fireworks signaled the end of daily fasts.
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