In a public statement, six influential bishops and metropolitans of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) have condemned the remarks of Metropolitan David, who recently likened protesting students in Serbia to „Serbian Ustaše.“ The bishops labeled the comments as „offensive and unacceptable,“ emphasizing the duty of church leaders to stand against such rhetoric.
The controversy erupted after Metropolitan David published an article on the official website of the Eparchy of Kruševac, endorsing the government’s narrative that student protests are part of a „color revolution.“ His remarks drew swift backlash, particularly as they surfaced during the period of spiritual preparation leading up to Great Lent.
Bishops Denounce Dehumanizing Language
„Labeling our youth in such a manner is more than a disgrace—it is a shameful stain on the body of the Church. Students are our future, and our duty is to guide them toward truth with love and understanding, not to reject and demean them,“ the bishops stated in their official communiqué.
Among those who signed the statement were Metropolitan Grigorije of Germany, Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, Metropolitan Justin of Žiča, Metropolitan Dimitrije of Zahumlje-Herzegovina and the Littoral, Archbishop Maksim of Western America, and Bishop Irinej of Eastern America.
They emphasized the need for responsible discourse and denounced speech that „dehumanizes others, particularly young people who contribute to society and seek truth.“ The bishops also highlighted the historical trauma suffered by the Serbian people under the Ustaše regime, stressing that equating anyone with such a movement is not only offensive but also a profound disservice to the memory of the victims.
Clerical Support for Students in Kruševac
Despite the controversy, local clergy in Kruševac extended support to the marching students, offering them blessings and assistance, including accommodation and medical aid. Videos of priests welcoming the students in front of Lazarica Church went viral on social media.
View this post on Instagram
The bishops’ statement further criticized the SOC’s official website for allowing such divisive rhetoric to be published. „We call on our fellow archbishops to ensure that such language does not become normalized. It is imperative to reassess the editorial policies of the SOC’s official website so that it truly reflects the unity and pastoral care of our Church.“
Metropolitan David Responds
Shortly after the bishops’ statement, Metropolitan David issued a denial, rejecting accusations that he had called students „Ustaše“ and attributing the outrage to „malicious misinterpretations on social media.“
Meanwhile, Patriarch Irinej has remained silent on the student protests, and the SOC’s website continues to publish articles that align with the government’s perspective.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
