Serbian Church regains seized ancient temple in Kosovo from schismatics
Priests and parishioners of the Serbian Orthodox Church at the Church of St Michael the Archangel in the Kosovo municipality of Podujevo. Photo: eparhija-prizren.com
The abbot of the Visoki Dečani Monastery, Archimandrite Sava (Janić), and Archpriest Staniš Arsić performed the consecration of the desecrated temple of St. Archangel Michael in the Kosovo village of Rakinicë, which had been vandalized by Albanian schismatics. This information was reported by the website of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Raška and Prizren.
With the blessing of Bishop Teodosije of Raška and Prizren, Archimandrite Sava, assisted by parish priest Archpriest Staniš Arsić, conducted the lesser consecration of the church and subsequently celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
During the sermon at the service, Father Sava emphasized that the St. Archangel Michael Church "has been restored to its usual church status as a place of worship for the Serbian Orthodox Church." He expressed hope that this sanctuary, like other Serbian Orthodox Church properties in Kosovo, will be treated with respect and protected from desecration.
Representatives of the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), carabinieri patrols, and Kosovo police officers were present near the church during the service. After the Liturgy, the locks on the church doors were replaced.
The Raška and Prizren Eparchy expressed concern that the Kosovo police twice refused to accept reports of the robbery and desecration of the church and to investigate false priests Nikolla Xhufka and Kristian Zagali, along with other participants in the seizure of the church. The diocese's lawyer made a second attempt to file a report in the presence of EULEX observers. The Church informed representatives of all international structures in Kosovo about the unlawful conduct of the police.
As previously reported by the UOJ, on November 28, 2023, an Albanian citizen named Nikolla Xhufka, who claimed to be a priest, along with his supporters, entered the Serbian church in the village of Rakinicë, built in the 15th century, conducted a "service" there, and declared that the sanctuary falls under the jurisdiction of the so-called "Albanian National Orthodox Church".
Read also
Catholic Sources Believe Israeli Attack on Church May Have Been Retaliation
Christian leaders, including Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, recently condemned a wave of attacks by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh.
Dumenko on the Macedonian Church: 'We Oppose Them'
The head of the schismatic OCU has accused the Macedonian Church of forming an "alliance" with the Moscow Patriarchate while implying that the tomos of autocephaly granted by Serbia to Macedonia was invalid.
Veiled in Grace: A Pilgrim’s Transformation at St. Olga’s Glorification
At the glorification of Saint Olga in Kwethluk, a 72-year-old Matushka from Pennsylvania, who once resisted head coverings, felt a gentle prompting to wear a lace scarf, experiencing profound grace and peace. This transformative moment led her to adopt the practice permanently, feeling a deep connection to Saint Olga’s modesty and love.
Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Abp. Elpidophoros, Catholic Leaders at Meeting in Italy
Archbishop Elpidophoros and Cardinal Tobin are currently leading a pilgrimage emphasizing Christian unity during the Jubilee Year.
Tsunami Warning Lifted After 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Alaska Coast
Federal officials had urged evacuations as the Gulf of Alaska area braced for potential tsunami impact.
UPDATE: Casualties of Israeli Strike on Catholic Church Were Orthodox
A funeral has been held at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrios for the victims of the shelling of the Holy Family Catholic Church.