Church Weighs In on Montenegro’s Sunday Work Debate

Seat of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral. Photo: Sailko

CETINJE, MONTENEGRO — Amid public debate over reinstating Sunday as a mandatory non-working day, church representatives have emphasized that the issue also concerns the religious rights of Montenegro’s Christian citizens. In a statement dated February 11, 2026, the Church noted that Sunday holds central significance in Christian life as the day of the Resurrection and participation in the Holy Liturgy.

The statement follows a Constitutional Court ruling that struck down provisions of the Internal Trade Act designating Sunday as a mandatory weekly rest day for trade employees. Church leaders argued that such a provision merely aligned retail workers with many public-sector employees who already do not work Sundays, and called on authorities to find a constitutional solution preserving Sunday as a day of rest.

They added that restrictions on Sunday labor exist in several European Union states and would not hinder Montenegro’s EU aspirations. The statement concluded by urging recognition of Sunday as a shared day for worship, family, and spiritual renewal.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Emmanuel rejected Russian claims over Montenegro and Baltic churches.

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