Serbian hierarch: Montenegrin power reverts to fascist methods

Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radović). Photo: mitropolija.com

The Head of the Montenegrin-Littoral Metropolis of the Serbian Orthodox Church, His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radović), believes that the current authorities of the country use fascist methods in relation to the Church and Her faithful, the website of the Metropolis reports.

In his opinion, “President Milo Djukanovic sacrifices Montenegro and its existence for power and money. This has never happened before ... Everything is subordinated to the interests of a group of people in power: Montenegro, its being, its history, its past and its future are identified with them.”

Vladyka noted that he feels sorry for Mr. Djukanovic because they “came to power together, one in the spiritual and the other in the secular chair”: “But he is no longer the person I know. I am sorry that the abilities he received from God he uses for the sake of his own interests and to the misfortunes of Montenegro. One cannot respect what he does.”

The Metropolitan emphasized that the persecutors of the Church in Montenegro "defend their own power and their wealth with the help of hatred and discord."

“It's just unbelievable what this hatred is like, which is essentially hatred between brothers and works in favor of the devil, for it does not work for people. It is strange that there are people with such fratricidal hatred ... They build the future of Montenegro on this hatred,” the hierarch complained.

The SOC hierarch also said that during the last meeting, he advised Djukanovic to be baptized, “but not just to be baptized, because it is not good to be baptized only nominally. It is necessary to make a spiritual change and not to sacrifice Montenegro and its being for the sake of power and money.”

Reflecting on the persecution of the Church in Montenegro, as well as the fate of Kosovo and Metohija, Vladyka noted that “there is no return to fascist methods anywhere in Europe” except Montenegro.

At the same time, speaking about the requirement of the authorities to return the monasteries and shrines of the Church to the ownership of the state, Met. Amfilohije believes that this requirement “has nothing to do with normal and common sense”, and “no one did this, even Hitler”.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that, according to Metropolitan Amfilohije, the Montenegrin authorities are trading their faith for a mess of pottage.

Read also

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.