„We often think that Kosovo today needs figures like Marko Kraljević, Miloš Obilić, and the Nine Jugović brothers. But we forget that perhaps true knights already exist among the people who remain there,“ said Metropolitan Grigorije of Germany.
„I am convinced that anyone still living in Kosovo is a knight because it is incredibly difficult to endure life there today.“
To the Serbian community in Kosovo, he delivered a poignant message: „Everyone has abandoned you—everyone except God.“
Metropolitan Grigorije has been awarded the prestigious „Knight of Calling“ recognition for 2024 by the LEX Association of Experts.
The accolade, which has been honoring individuals for 18 years, celebrates integrity and honor as guiding principles.
During the ceremony held at the National Theatre in Belgrade, Grigorije reflected on the virtues embodied in the concept of a knight and its relevance in modern times.
“Kosovo is for me a land of knights—it was in the past, and it remains so today,” Grigorije stated during an interview with KoSSev.
He emphasized the challenges faced by the remaining Serbian community, saying, “It is incredibly difficult to live in Kosovo today. Everyone who remains there is a knight.”
Metropolitan Grigorije invoked the legendary Serbian figures Marko Kraljević, Miloš Obilić, and the Nine Jugović brothers as symbols of courage but urged recognition of the everyday heroes among Kosovo’s current population.
“We often forget that such knights may already exist among the people who endure there,” he remarked.
A Call for Dialogue Between Leaders
When asked what he would say to Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti and President Vjosa Osmani, he emphasized the urgency of dialogue.
“I would tell them that they have no one closer than us, and we have no one closer than them. We must talk to each other—long and openly,” he said.
Metropolitan Grigorije underscored the importance of addressing historical grievances and envisioning a shared future.
“They must speak with us, and we must speak with them. We need to discuss our wounds, our disagreements, and our future because, without each other, we have no future,” he asserted.
He also criticized reliance on external mediators, insisting that direct communication is essential.
“The president of Kosovo can speak with leaders from America, France, and Italy, and the Serbian president can do the same, but the real conversation must happen between them—painful though it may be.”
Message to Kosovo Serbs
To the Serbian community in Kosovo, Metropolitan Grigorije delivered a sobering message, acknowledging their isolation.
“I would tell them that, sadly, everyone has abandoned them except God,” he said, acknowledging their hardships while affirming their faith as a source of strength.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
