The Serbian Orthodox Church in North Mitrovica today marked the feast of St. Demetrius, known as Mitrovdan — the city’s patron saint day — with a liturgy and church procession, but without the traditional citywide litija (religious procession), due to what church officials described as the current security situation.
The liturgy at the Church of St. Demetrius began at 8 a.m. and was led by the Bishop of Raška and Prizren, Teodosije. A large number of believers gathered inside and around the church to take part in the celebration, which included a procession around the temple, the cutting of the slava bread, and the breaking of a festive cake containing a gold coin.
Addressing the faithful, Bishop Teodosije reflected on the difficult times the Church has endured and the importance of preserving the faith and traditions of the ancestors, despite fear and division.
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“We have gone through many hard times. When I was a child, I remember that only a few people came to church — others didn’t dare. They were threatened, or afraid of losing their jobs or privileges. Unfortunately, something similar is happening even today,” he said.
He emphasized that, as in previous years, the faithful gathered in prayer and unity, even though the litany through the city streets could not be held this year.
“The situation is such. We all know who governs this city and who can provide us with security. Unfortunately, society is divided as never before,” the bishop stated.
Despite the challenges, he expressed hope for better times to come:
“If God allows, there will be better days. Perhaps next year, and in the years to come, we will again hold the litija through the city — as it is done in Thessaloniki and elsewhere — as a true church procession to glorify God and the saints, not for show or display.”
Concluding his address, Bishop Teodosije congratulated the believers on the holiday, wishing them peace and perseverance in faith.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
