Thousands Gather in Bratunac to Honor 3,267 Serbian Martyrs

BRATUNAC, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA — As reported by UOJ-Serbia, thousands of faithful gathered in Bratunac on July 4 for a prayerful commemoration marking the 34th anniversary of the deaths of 3,267 Serbs from the Middle Drina and Birče regions during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The memorial observance was led by Patr. Porfirije of Serbia, who celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and later served a memorial service at the cemetery’s Memorial Cross.

The Patriarch emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of those who suffered, saying that remembrance is both a Christian responsibility and a duty toward future generations. Addressing those gathered, he emphasized that a people who cherish the memory of their victims remain in communion with God and truth and thereby bear witness to their responsibility towards future generations.

Following the Liturgy, Patr. Porfirije was joined by hierarchs, clergy, monks, families of victims, representatives of Serbian and Republika Srpska institutions, and thousands of believers for prayers in memory of those killed in numerous communities throughout the Middle Drina and Birče regions.

The Patriarch also stressed that remembrance must lead toward peace rather than renewed conflict, emphasizing that forgetting can never be the path to justice, but memory must not become a reason for new divisions and hatred. The annual gathering, held under the slogan "You don't call Bratunac, you go to Bratunac," concluded with wreaths and flowers placed at the memorial in honor of the victims.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Serbia committed additional funding to complete the Church of St. Sava.