A Struggle for Freedom or a New Maidan? – The Protests in Serbia from the Perspective of Serbian Orthodox Church Believers

This article was originally published by UOJ's Serbian branch, SPN.

For nearly a year, Serbia has been shaken by ongoing protests and unrest. The nation is polarized and divided. Everyone is expected to pick a side. While some long for freedom and liberation from corruption and the old system, others see these events as a revolution, a coup, a Ukrainian scenario, or a new Maidan.

Everything came to a head on November 1, 2024, when a canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 17 people.

This tragedy followed the mass shootings of May 3 and 4, 2023, at Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School and in the villages of Dubona and Malo Orašje.

The protests that began in 2023 have continued, to varying degrees, ever since. After the Novi Sad tragedy, protests became a daily occurrence across Serbia.

University students have demanded that all documents related to the reconstruction of the canopy be made public.

During a 15-minute moment of silence held by students of the Faculty of Dramatic Arts (FDA) in memory of the Novi Sad victims, they were attacked, leading to faculty blockades throughout Serbia.

The public responded positively to the students’ initiative, and mass protests began to be organized nationwide.

Students marched from city to city on foot, receiving widespread support from citizens.

However, various opposition political parties, some of which are considered anti-Serbian by a segment of society, joined the student movement.

The government used this to further its narrative, and society became even more divided.

Amid this climate of protests, division, and blockades, both sides began to expect the Serbian Orthodox Church to take a stand.

His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije and the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) have emphasized peace and stability as their priorities.

Faithful on both sides expect support from the SOC. Some public figures have openly and publicly demanded it.

To be honest, it is unreasonable to expect such a position from the SOC. The Church is here for all of us, regardless of our political leanings or ideologies. In the Divine Liturgy, we are all equal, and our divisions must remain outside the church gates.

It is encouraging that a large number of young people, whether they support the protests or not, regularly attend church services and fast. Some of the protests even included Orthodox symbolism and flags, such as the icon of Christ Not-Made-By-Hands.

UOJ-Serbia has made an effort to objectively and impartially present the opinions of both sides regarding the SOC and what is expected of it.

We interviewed four respondents who wished to remain anonymous. All were asked the same four questions:

The Questions

1. What is your opinion on the protests in the country? Are you participating in them?
2. In your opinion, what is the role of the SOC among the people?
3. What reaction do you expect from the SOC regarding the protests?
4. What do you believe is the mission of the SOC? What should be its most important priority?

The Responses

Respondent 1:

1. I believe the protests are the only hope for this country. The people have endured injustice and corruption for years and have finally decided to raise their voices. I am part of these protests because I believe that only through unity and the fight for justice can we change things. We can no longer sit idly by and watch our future be taken from us.
2. The SOC is the spiritual anchor of our people. It must not be just a ceremonial symbol or a tool of the state. Its true role is to be with the people—to protect, support, and guide them when facing injustice.
3. I expect the SOC to clearly stand with the people—to support those fighting for justice, freedom, and the future of our country, and to speak out against the violence and injustice being committed against students almost daily.
4. The mission of the SOC is to be a light and a support to the people—to safeguard faith, morality, and justice.

Respondent 2:

1. Protests should not be happening because the country always comes first. No one can take away our freedom to move and enjoy the beauty of our cities. None of the protests held so far have been legally registered. Give us our freedom, let us live.
2. The SOC’s role should always be to stand by its people. But at this moment, it cannot and should not take sides, as that would further divide the people—and the Church must not allow that.
3. I believe the SOC will respond when the time is right. That will be the only salvation for our beloved country, because the Church always unites the people, just as it does on Sundays during the Liturgy.
4. The SOC's most important concern should be the people, peace, and salvation. Because if we don't believe God will save our country—who can we turn to? Only Jesus Christ, no one else.

Respondent 3:

I find it difficult to answer because I’m not well-informed.

1. But from what I’ve heard, the SOC is not involved.
2. So I would say the SOC is neutral.
3. I also think it should remain neutral.
4. And in general, it should be with the people—let’s say with the majority.

Respondent 4:

1. The protests are good because they reveal the true state of our country. I sometimes take part, depending on my free time.
2. The SOC currently plays no real role—unfortunately, many people are manipulated by the state, and the Church is not what it used to be.
3. I hope it will side with the people.
4. The people.

Conclusion

The responses clearly show a polarization of opinions. Both sides seek support from the Serbian Orthodox Church. Instead of viewing the SOC as a point of unity and forgiveness, people are demanding it choose a side.

The situation in the country is tense. Major streets and bridges in Belgrade have been blocked, leading to growing frustration.

Counter-protests have now also begun, with people demanding an end to the initial protests and a return to normalcy.

Both sides are right in some ways, and wrong in others. The saddest part is that neither side is willing to compromise, and that they do not see the SOC as a starting point for reconciliation and forgiveness, but rather as another reason for division.

In conclusion, UOJ-Serbia echoes the famous words of Dr. Archibald Reiss, a great friend of the Serbian people:

“Hear me, Serbs! Beware of yourselves!”

Previously, UOJ reported that former U.S. Ambassador to Serbia William Montgomery said that student-led protests in Serbia represent a protest movement, but not a “color revolution.”

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