The Raška-Prizren Eparchy has raised concerns following an incident near the gates of the Banjska Monastery, where two unidentified men wrote “UÇK” (KLA – Kosovo Liberation Army) in the snow. The act, captured on the monastery’s surveillance cameras, has unsettled the monastery’s clergy and the broader Eparchy.
The surveillance footage shows one man inscribing the message while another appears to take photographs, possibly of the monastery or himself. Both individuals spoke Albanian and left the area without attempting to enter the monastery grounds.
In a statement, the Eparchy highlighted that this was not an isolated incident but part of a series of recent security violations involving unauthorized individuals near the monastery.
A History of Tensions
The incident comes following heightened tensions after a violent clash on September 24, 2023, between an armed group of Serbs, led by Milan Radoičić, and Kosovo special police forces in Banjska. The monastery, caught in the crossfire, became an unintended victim of the conflict. Armed individuals initially breached the lower monastery accommodations, where pilgrims from Novi Sad were staying, and later forced their way into the monastery complex, damaging its gates.
The monks and worshippers took refuge inside the monastery, praying throughout the ordeal. Despite initial allegations from some Albanian-language media outlets suggesting the monastery was a hub for armed activities, investigations by Kosovo and international authorities confirmed no weapons were stored on the premises.
The Eparchy was among the first to offer condolences for the death of Kosovo police officer Afrim Bunjaku, who was killed when an explosive device detonated at a barricade at the village entrance. The Eparchy also promptly informed the public about the monastery’s breach, maintaining transparency amid the accusations.
Rising Security Concerns
Since the September incident, the monastery has reportedly faced increasing pressures, including threats to its security and disruptions to its liturgical life.
The Eparchy has confirmed reports of incidents involving unidentified individuals near other Serbian Orthodox Church monasteries in northern Kosovo, heightening concerns, especially with the holiday season approaching.
These incidents have been reported to local law enforcement, EULEX, and KFOR, but the Eparchy claims there has been little concrete action to ensure the safety of the monasteries or their visitors.
We appeal to all responsible authorities to take the necessary steps to protect the Banjska Monastery and all worshippers who come to this sacred site – the Eparchy’s statement read.
A Call for Peace and Understanding
The Eparchy urged international representatives to address the matter within their mandates, emphasizing the need for peace, respect for religious sites, and the universal right to practice faith freely.
“We call on all people of goodwill to support the preservation of peace and the respect of sacred sites, which serve as a source of solace not only for our community but for all individuals of goodwill who live here,” the statement concluded.
Neither Kosovo police nor EULEX has issued a statement on the latest incident. Meanwhile, the region remains under heavy surveillance, with a significant presence of Kosovo police, including special units.
As the Eparchy continues to monitor the situation, it has called on the faithful to pray for peace, understanding, and the preservation of sacred values.
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