Parish in Distress as Serbian Priest Faces Risk of Self-Deportation
Members of St. Simeon the Myrrh-Flowing Serbian Orthodox Church in North Carolina are wondering what comes next as Fr. Srebrenko Vidakovic’s religious worker visa expires in June.
CHARLOTTE — Every service at St. Simeon the Myrrh-Flowing Serbian Orthodox Church contains the familiar rituals of ancient worship. The faithful light candles, venerate icons, and devote themselves to prayer as they seek peace in an uncertain world.
There is another element of familiarity that all Orthodox Christians can relate to — the presence of one’s parish priest. Currently, the faithful of St. Simeon wait with bated breath as the presence of their own Fr. Srebrenko Vidakovic is under threat due to the impending expiration of his religious worker visa.
“The uncertainty surrounding my ability to remain in the country has caused real distress among the faithful,” Fr. Srebrenko told the Union of Orthodox Journalists of America. “Some are afraid of losing their priest; others feel a deep sadness at the thought that their spiritual father, who baptized their children, married their families, buried their loved ones, and guided them through crises, may be forced to leave through no fault of his own.”
Fr. Srebrenko speaks to the children of his parish. Photo: Serbian Diocese of Eastern America
Currently in the United States on an R-1 visa, which allows those in religious vocations and occupations to come to the U.S. temporarily for the purpose of performing religious work, Fr. Srebrenko — who has served his parish since 2021 — is nearing the end of his five-year maximum period of stay. According to new information released by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services on January 14, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has removed the requirement for R-1 religious workers to reside outside the United States for one year when they reach the statutory five-year maximum period of stay.
“While R-1 religious workers are still required to depart the U.S., the rule establishes that there is no longer a minimum period of time they must reside and be physically present outside the U.S. before they seek readmission in R-1 status,” the release states.
While DHS argues that this rule “significantly reduces wait time” and provides stability while “minimizing disruptions for faith-based communities,” the point remains that religious workers like Fr. Srebrenko would have to needlessly leave the country. While the disruption to his community may be “minimized,” it would still be a disruption.
“If he is not able to continue his ministry, this church community would be devastated,” one parishioner commented on a change.org petition created by a concerned member of St. Simeon.
From Teacher to Shepherd
Before arriving in Charlotte in October 2021, Fr. Srebrenko spent nearly 17 years serving the Church as an Orthodox religious educator.
After graduating from the St. Cyril and Methodius Serbian Orthodox Seminary in Niš, he began teaching as a catechist in 2005 while in his second year at the Faculty of Theology in Belgrade. He taught religious education to elementary students from kindergarten through eighth grade for more than 16 years, during which time he participated extensively in educational seminars and workshops.
Alongside his teaching, he continued his formal studies through a master’s-level program in religious studies at the University of Belgrade and pursued ongoing professional development in computer science. From 2016 to 2021, he served as assistant to an elementary school principal, helping manage school programs and educational activities.
Motivated by a strong commitment to children’s education and service, Fr. Srebrenko also volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Red Cross of Serbia, the Red Cross national disaster response team, and charitable initiatives supporting schoolchildren in Kosovo and Metohija.
He was ordained a deacon in February 2021 and a priest just months later, shortly before being assigned to the St. Simeon parish near the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's campus.
“When I came to this parish in 2021, due to different contributing factors, the number of regular attendees at our monthly services were very low,” Fr. Srebrenko said. “My first priority was to establish consistent liturgical services, a children’s Sunday School program, and adult catechesis classes, together with continuous pastoral care through home visits, hospital visits, and prison ministry. From the very beginning, I made a commitment to be available to everyone 24/7 in their spiritual and personal needs.”
Fr. Srebrenko receives a parishioner into Holy Orthodoxy. Photo: Serbian Diocese of Eastern America
After multiple years of service in the area, Fr. Srebrenko told UOJ that he can now say his ministry reaches approximately 400-450 people of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of spiritual maturity.
“Many of them rely deeply on the stability of the Church and the presence of their priest for pastoral support, the sacraments, counseling, and continuity of spiritual leadership,” he said.
A Time of Uncertainty
Fr. Srebrenko first realized the seriousness of his visa situation in the third quarter of 2025, when it became clear that the immigration backlog and interpretation of priority dates in the EB-4 religious worker category could prevent his permanent residency application from being processed before his current status expires.
His I-360 petition — which is available to religious workers — has been approved, and he has also filed an I-485 (application for lawful permanent resident status). However, due to retrogression in this category, it may not be accepted before his R-1 status ends in June.
According to DHS, the demand for visas in the EB-4 category has exceeded the supply for many years. The U.S. State Department made changes in 2023 that “significantly increased the already lengthy wait times for immigrant visas” for those from certain countries, “including religious workers.”
As previously reported by UOJ, in March 2023, the Biden Administration integrated non-religious applicants from countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, flooding the clergy pipeline with unrelated applicants and preventing clergy from entering/remaining in the country to carry out their pastoral duties.
“These delays have caused many religious workers to exhaust their maximum period of stay in R-1 status,” DHS said.
“Besides this situation impacting me and my family, I prayed and had hope that issue would be resolved by higher instances, due to the fact that a lot of other church communities are impacted by the very same problem,” Fr. Srebrenko said.
What Can Be Done
According to Fr. Srebrenko, some students in the parish catechesis program, as well as faithful from other Orthodox communities, have reached out to members of Congress seeking a legislative remedy for the EB-4 religious worker backlog and the looming expiration of lawful status for clergy.
The aforementioned change.org petition has also amassed more than 1,300 signatures, with the specific aim of getting S.1298 (Religious Workforce Protection Act) passed in the Senate. It was introduced as “a bill to authorize the continuation of lawful nonimmigrant status for certain religious workers affected by the backlog for religious worker immigrant visas.”
Sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), the bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee in April 2025 and currently has seven co-sponsors. Listed in order of how early to how recent they signed on, they are:
- Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)
- Sen. James Risch (R-ID)
- Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
- Sen. Christopher Coons (D-DE)
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
- Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID)
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
A similar bill was also introduced in the House in April. H.R.2672, sponsored by Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH) is described in the same exact fashion as S.1298 — a bill “to authorize the continuation of lawful nonimmigrant status for certain religious workers affected by the backlog for religious worker immigrant visas.”
It was referred to the House Judiciary Committee and currently has 32 co-sponsors.
The change.org petition also has four individuals listed in Fr. Srebrenko’s area who could assist in moving the bill forward — Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-9); Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12); Rep. Andy Harris (MD-1); and North Carolina State Sen. Joyce Waddell (District 40).
Sen. Thom Tillis and Sen. Ted Budd currently represent North Carolinians in the U.S. Senate.
“This situation is not only about my personal future in the United States — it affects the spiritual stability of an entire parish community, but also the Church in general, by the fact that a large number of church communities experience this issue,” Fr. Srebrenko said. “I am committed to continuing my ministry faithfully for as long as the law allows, and I pray that a solution may be found so that I may remain with the people entrusted to me.”
Faith Under Pressure
Fr. Srebrenko admits that this period, together with other challenges his family has faced during his priesthood, have truly tested his faith, patience, and trust in God.
In 2024, Fr. Srebrenko and his family lost everything — their entire life savings and all valuables — after their house was broken into. A GoFundMe then raised more than $29,000 for the Vidakovic family.
Now, they face the loss of a community rather than the loss of physical possessions.
“And yet, throughout this trial, my love for God and His Church — and my firm commitment and determination, even in my weakness and unworthiness, to remain as much as possible a soldier of Christ — have sustained me profoundly,” he said. “Serving the Divine Liturgy, praying with people, and witnessing how God works in the hearts of the faithful has kept me grounded.”
Fr. Srebrenko speaks to the crowd at the vigil for Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was tragically killed on a train in Charlotte, making national headlines this past fall. Photo: Serbian Diocese of Eastern America
Adding that he feels the peace that comes from surrendering to God’s will and knowing that He sees the path ahead even when we do not, Fr. Srebrenko does acknowledge the burden that comes with wondering about the possibility of separation from his community.
“I am strengthened by the belief that my priesthood is not my own, but Christ’s gift, and that He never abandons those who rely on Him and at the end, His providence will bring the best possible resolution,” he said.
Testimonies from the Faithful
“Wholeheartedly, I am grateful for every person who has advocated, prayed, or offered support during this time, and I hope that sharing my story will encourage those in positions of authority to recognize the human, spiritual, and communal consequences of the current immigration backlog for religious workers,” Fr. Srebrenko said.
Here are some examples of the support offered by those whose lives have been touched by Fr. Srebrenko, as written in the comments of the change.org petition.
“A long time ago, while searching for an Orthodox church, I found this cozy and welcoming place. But what truly touched me was Fr. Srebrenko himself. It was a weekday when I first reached out to him, asking if I could come to the church. He said, ‘Of course, if you’d like, I can open it for you. You can light candles and do whatever you feel you need to.’ I was deeply moved by his openness and kindness. Since that day, I’ve been coming to this church whenever I can. Fr. Srebrenko is a rare soul: warm, genuine, and full of compassion. A few months ago, when my son was suddenly in an accident, our whole community prayed for him, and Father always asked how he was doing and how our family was holding up. I felt that he wasn’t just a priest, he was a true shepherd who carries both our pain and our joy in his heart. I sincerely hope he remains with us for many years to come, because people like him bring light, faith, and love into our lives — and unite us all in the spirit of care and humanity.”
– Natalia
“Fr. Srebrenko has been such a blessing for this church community and beyond. Me and my wife have been a part of his parish for the past four years and have witnessed such a huge transformation firsthand. Fr. Srebrenko is someone who is extremely unselfish, caring, kind, and humble. He embraces people from all walks of life and shares Christ’s love with everyone. He and his family have made tremendous sacrifices to enable him to serve the community like he has been – tirelessly and selflessly. If he is not able to continue his ministry, this church community would be devastated.”
– Mikhail
“Fr. Srebrenko's influence reaches deep into our community. He has helped our new citizens assimilate as good neighbors. Most recently he funded a non-profit to help the needy and those in distress. For example, with his leadership we contributed supplies and support to the victims of Hurricane Helen in Western North Carolina. He and his family have sacrificed a lot to do missionary work here. I'm sure Serbia would welcome them back, but he is dedicated to us and we should respect his wishes for all his unselfish work!”
– Kent
“Fr. Srebrenko is the best thing that’s ever happened to St. Simeon. His unique skills bridge the generational gap and unify the entire congregation. He’s a gift that should be cherished, not a number that should be discarded.”
– Abby
“We stand and urge the authorities to reconsider his deportation. His presence in our community has been a beacon of hope, providing guidance, support, and a sense of belonging to many. Spiritual leaders like him are essential for fostering compassion, understanding, and unity in our diverse society. We need more individuals who inspire kindness and promote peace, especially during challenging times. Let us not lose a valuable asset to our community. He needs to stay here. Please consider. Thank you!”
– Sly
Previous Reporting on Fr. Srebrenko from UOJ-USA
Serbian Priest Writes on Challenges of Ministry in 21st Century
Serbian Parish in North Carolina Hosts First 'Fall Family Day'
Vigil Held for Iryna Zarutska One Month After Deadly Charlotte Stabbing
