Montenegrin Monastery Under Police Siege
Montenegro’s public and secret police have encircled the monastery, monitoring all activities 24/7, creating an atmosphere of intimidation for monks and the laity.
BERANE — For seven days, Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery, a 13th-century sacred site and seat of the Budimlja-Nikšić diocese, has been under relentless surveillance by Montenegro’s public and secret police. Security forces encircle the monastery, monitoring all activities 24/7, creating an atmosphere of intimidation for monks and the laity, as reported by Politika on September 25, 2025.
Interior minister Danilo Šaranović has redirected police resources to the site and authorized the arrest of citizens. Concurrently, the Prosecutor’s Office in Berane (the nearest city) issued summonses to Met. Methodius and priest Milenko Ralević, who face detention for "non-compliance."
This combined police siege and judicial pressure is seen as a coordinated attack on the Serbian Orthodox Church. Commentators warn that Montenegro's Serbian community is being threatened more widely. Security sources indicate a deliberate plan to suppress Orthodox authorities, a clear escalation of tensions from past disputes over religious freedom laws and church property. This siege marks a culmination of years-long state aggression against the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro.
As the UOJ previously reported, Met. Methodius has denounced Montenegro's persecution of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Abp. Georgios of Cyprus has denounced Montenegro's efforts to create an "autocephalous" Orthodox jurisdiction, insisting that the country falls under the Serbian Church.
