Published: 02/01/2025
Modified: 02/01/2025
Christmas Interview with Metropolitan Teodosije
“In all adversities, it is essential to preserve faith, perseverance and love for all people”
We often need to plan various activities and events, but we must always leave the final word to God. We must understand that only when God opens the doors for a good deed will it come to fruition — not solely through our efforts but primarily by God’s grace. The episcopal ministry in Kosovo and Metohija is a constant life in the mystery of the Cross and Resurrection. May the Lord bless our people and strengthen us to remain steadfast, despite all difficulties, staying true to our heritage in the places where we have glorified God for centuries, even under far more challenging circumstances. May we hold firmly to the faith that no injustice lasts forever,” emphasized His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan of Raška and Prizren, Teodosije.
His written and spoken words under the skies of Kosovo and Metohija flow like the Bistrica River, merging with the centuries-old spiritual treasures of the region, all aimed at glorifying God and strengthening the Christian faith. Through a genuine witness of love for God, Metropolitan Teodosije comforts, directs, encourages, confesses, teaches, and calls for the strengthening of the spiritual foundations of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija. He also advocates tolerance and love among all faiths. Quiet yet resolute, he serves as a vital source nourishing the spiritual life of the Serbian Orthodox Church. His Eminence shared his thoughts in an interview for “Jedinstvo.”
On Happiness in the Modern World
Q: We are continually focused on improving our reality, seeking new paths to achieve what we call happiness. It is often defined as a state of perfection achieved through the union of all goods. How can one be happy without striving for material wealth, and to what extent do power, wealth, and excessive ambition stifle the spirit of faith?
A: In today’s world, happiness is largely understood as material well-being, health, and success. Christ, however, speaks of a different kind of happiness — the Kingdom of God, which we must find in our hearts and through which we gain eternal communion with God. This communion allows us to inherit the “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Phil. 4:8) and eternal life, so that, as St. Paul says, Christ may live in us. This peace and joy in God do not fundamentally depend on material possessions, and even less so on power, wealth, and ambition. These can, in fact, become significant obstacles to our life in God if we become overly attached to them.
It is essential that whatever duties we perform and in whatever blessed community we live, we must do everything in our power to act with conscience and prayer, entrusting the success and results to God. Our actions should not be motivated by external rewards or recognition but as “unprofitable servants” (Lk. 17:10) serving God and our neighbor. Such an approach leads us into God’s peace, opening the gates of divine grace and comfort, regardless of the external circumstances surrounding us.
On Tradition and Family Values
Q: Power and media content promote a world where traditional virtues and values are marginalized. Family and traditional marriage are ridiculed, and an artificial divide is created between children and parents. What do you think about these trends, and how can one guard against them?
A: Our Church is fundamentally based on community, not individualism. We are called to live in Christ, not to build communities on worldly ideologies that are ever-changing and incapable of providing true meaning to humanity. Therefore, from our ancestors, we have inherited a tradition of communal life, whether in families or monasteries, and most importantly, life in the Church, where we are all “members of one Body of Christ.” (1 Cor. 12:12
The so-called values rooted in promoting individualism, various gender ideologies, and the disintegration of Christian marriage and family inevitably lead to societal degradation. They prevent the healthy growth of young people, who should be connected to others in an essential way through God’s love, not through ideology. Unfortunately, the spread of the so-called “woke ideology,” which reduces everything to questions of social, racial, and gender identity and equality, disrupts family relationships. Marriage becomes merely a partnership entered into for selfish reasons, leading to the high number of divorces and dysfunctional relations we see today.
Children are not being properly educated, either in families or schools, where the sense of order and respect is diminishing. Instead, artificial equality is promoted, which eventually turns into chaos. Christian marriage and life in the Church are based on service and sacrifice, not selfishness, utilitarianism, or any form of violence or harm to others. The only way to protect against this is by preserving the spirit of Christian marriage and family, which is rooted in natural order, trust, and responsibility. Children raised in such an environment are far more likely to grow into stable and responsible members of society.
Centuries of Christian tradition, on which our civilization and especially our national heritage are built, clearly demonstrate this. However, the fight for traditional values must not turn into persecution of those who think or live differently. If correction is needed, it must be done with meekness and a spirit of love, avoiding the transformation of our Christian tradition into an ideology that could be misused for violence against people of different backgrounds, races, or beliefs. The examples of Christ in the Gospel show us how He corrected sinners with great meekness and love. His harshness was reserved for hypocritical Pharisees and lawyers who condemned others and ultimately handed Him over for crucifixion.
On Hypocrisy, Envy, and Resentment
Q: We are witnessing a decline in empathy, with increasing intolerance and even mockery based on whether someone is wealthy or poor, from the city or countryside, modern or traditional. Envy and slander are becoming more prominent. How can we resist hypocrisy, envy, and deceit, which we face daily?
A: Judging and despising others, especially based on their wealth, education, or background, indicates a lack of spiritual enlightenment. True wealth belongs to those who possess more of God within themselves, and true education is seen in those who manifest the image of God in their lives. Material wealth, worldly power, and knowledge — especially when devoid of love —are fleeting. People who base their lives on these and seek validation for themselves through them are deeply unhappy.
Our Church’s tradition, refers to living in accordance with the values handed down to us by our saints and teachers. It does not necessarily imply conservatism. We should remain open to new ways of witnessing Christ in our time, rather than being fixated on the past. At the same time, modernity should not mean blindly following trends simply because they are new, contemporary, or popular. Spiritually stable people are both contemporary and traditional. They apply the principles of our faith in a way that does not divide, offend, or demean but rather fosters creativity, responsibility, and understanding.
Trusting solely in one’s own opinions, without a willingness to listen to others, reveals egoism and leads to interpersonal conflicts and, on a national level, to wars. We are called to show gratitude toward God for the gifts we have received to use them for good. What good thing can we boast about or take pride in that we have not first received as a gift from God? When viewed from this perspective, envy and slander reveal a lack of knowledge of God and love. Hypocrisy, which the Lord particularly condemned, is rooted in formalism—presenting oneself in one way before others while living differently. Those with true love for God and knowledge grounded in God cannot hate or commit injustice toward others. Thus, genuine love for God and true knowledge are reflected in how we treat our neighbors — not just those who share our views and beliefs but even our enemies who harm us, as the Lord Himself taught.
On Fear and Uncertainty in Today’s World
Q: In everyone, when faced with life’s challenges and difficulties, a sense of fear arises in the face of uncertainty and the unknown. Media headlines, daily political upheavals on a global scale, natural disasters, and illnesses—all of these provoke anxiety about a future we hoped would be better. How far have we distanced ourselves from the Creator, and can anything happen outside His will?
A: Life in today’s world often oscillates between constant thoughts about the past — what we might have done differently — and an even greater preoccupation with what lies ahead. Christ and the entire spiritual tradition of our Church teach us to live in the present moment, to face the challenges and trials of the “here and now.” Of course, we must often plan many things and events, but we should always leave the final word to God, knowing that only if God opens the door for a good deed will it come to fruition — not solely through our efforts but primarily by God’s grace.
We are called to be God’s collaborators in this world, not to change the world, but to change ourselves and thus participate in God’s wondrous plan, which transforms all creation into the Kingdom of God. We can never see the entire perspective, which belongs to God alone, but we should approach every task prayerfully and with love, humility, and diligence. It is essential that our actions and behavior do not contribute to the suffering of others. If we encounter something unforeseen, difficult, or incomprehensible, we must respond with humility, faith, and trust in God’s providence, which sometimes teaches us — even through suffering — how to enter into a deeper understanding of God’s love and providence.
Everything good comes from God, just as light comes from the sun, shining upon both the righteous and the unrighteous. Those who close themselves off from God’s goodness, despite the light, dwell in darkness — a darkness not created by God but stemming from our rejection of His wisdom and goodness. This is the source of so much evil in the world. The mysteries of God are beyond our comprehension, but if we trust in Him, we can accept everything that comes our way, even the unforeseen, with gratitude, knowing that God, in His infinite goodness, will give meaning to it all.
On Globalization and the Gospel’s Vision of Love
Q: Is there hope that, amidst the merciless process of globalization consuming the world, room can be made for the global civilization of love proclaimed by the Gospel and Christ’s Church?
A: The Church of Christ is His Body, uniting all humanity and all creation—not according to the laws of this world and age. Christ did not come to establish a perfect society or political organization in this transient world but to call each of us to contribute, as members of His Body, to the preaching of God’s mystery and the leavening of the entire world with this mystery.
Thus, even after so many centuries, humanity continues to face trials and tribulations, not because God created an unjust society or because the Church is powerless to change the world. The Kingdom of God is not of this world. While we are in the world, we are not of it. As early Christian writings tell us, we live in different countries and among different peoples but as sojourners and strangers on a journey to our eternal heavenly homeland.
We contribute to justice and goodness around us as much as we can, knowing that the fullness of God’s justice and truth will come to life only with the new heaven and new earth, after the universal resurrection and the Second Coming of our Lord. Until then, we dwell on earth, called to live according to the laws of heaven, contributing—each according to their ability and duty in society—to the promotion of what is good and honorable.
On Liturgical Renewal and Community Life
Q: It seems that our people are in great need of liturgical renewal, considering that it is only in the Liturgy that we truly experience the cruciform love for God and our neighbors. Is any form of national or cultural renewal possible without liturgical and spiritual renewal?
A: The Liturgy is the central mystery of Christian life. In the Liturgy, we, who gather from many places, affirm that we are one Body of Christ. Through communion in the Body and Blood of the Lord, we become one, even as we remain many. Therefore, we are constantly called to renew ourselves through the Liturgy, to live liturgically even outside of worship, offering ourselves to God and serving others as the purpose of our lives.
This must be done in families, monasteries, and workplaces. The essence of liturgical renewal lies in building the awareness that we are called to live as a community, not as a collection of individuals, bearing witness to the cruciform love for God and our neighbors. A healthy society is rooted in liturgical life because, in the liturgical order, the perfection of the Kingdom of God is revealed here and now on earth, and everything becomes orderly and blessed.
On Social Inequalities
Q: Every year, 10 million people worldwide die from hunger, while the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen. Can it be said that there is enough food, but humanity is losing its soul?
A: Tragically, suffering and hardship abound in the times we live in. As Christians, we are called to practice mercy, bridging the gap between the wealthy and the impoverished through acts of charity and encouraging affluent nations to share their resources with those less fortunate. However, human greed and the thirst for dominance keep a significant portion of humanity trapped in material poverty.
God has given enough of everything — heaven and earth, air, water, bread, and every good thing — for all people. Yet, without a proper relationship with God, there cannot be a healthy relationship with our neighbors. We must strive to do everything within our power to improve the conditions around us and pray for what is beyond our ability to change, especially for those who suffer and are in need.
On Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and the Church’s Mission
Q: Younger generations are often immersed in social media and avoid reading long texts. Even mandatory school readings are reduced to summaries found online. In the era of the internet and artificial intelligence, can the Church adapt and provide short, accessible texts about faith and spiritual life to reach younger audiences?
A: We live in an age overwhelmed by an abundance of information. Fewer people are reading books, attention spans are shrinking, and communication is increasingly limited to social media and the sharing of often unnecessary or even harmful content. Technology, including artificial intelligence, should not replace a meaningful life and genuine interpersonal communication but should serve as a helpful tool, much like telephones, cars, airplanes, and other technological advancements we have grown accustomed to.
The problem arises when, instead of fostering the creativity God has given us, we use technology selfishly for fleeting pleasures and distractions or to create a facade of knowledge. As I’ve mentioned before, the Church is not opposed to modern advancements but seeks to guide their proper use. Therefore, modern means of communication — websites, social media, and even artificial intelligence — can be employed for educational purposes and spreading the Word of God. Let us not forget that the Gospel is founded on the Word, and God the Logos is the eternal Word of God.
There are many good examples of how parish and diocesan life can be enhanced through the internet, though nothing can replace direct human interaction, the spoken word, and especially the Liturgy and the sacraments. Technology should be a supplementary tool, particularly for those who might otherwise waste time on video games or endless social media chats. When the printing press was invented in the mid-15th century, the Church was among the first to embrace this innovation to spread the Word of God and advance education. Similarly, in our time, it is crucial to establish ethical boundaries in the use of modern technology, especially artificial intelligence, as its rapid development could easily exceed all control. In this regard, the Church’s voice must be heard.
On the Value of Sacrifice and Witnessing Christ
Q: In a contemporary world that often seeks to avoid any form of sacrifice, how can we witness that salvation lies in faith in Christ, in forgiveness, mercy, giving, and living for others without vengeful or malicious intentions?
A: We bear witness to God most effectively through our personal example. Calling others to love while living in self-love, advocating for a modest life while indulging in excess, or preaching forgiveness while being merciless toward those who differ from us — these are forms of hypocrisy that discredit us as human beings and undermine our testimony of faith.
Therefore, it is essential first to change ourselves with God’s help and then seek to help others change. We must sanctify ourselves with grace so that we can sanctify others. This is a continuous process of effort, constant repentance, humility, patience, and unwavering trust in God. Our words of correction must be imbued with love and patience, as we must never forget that those who do wrong are often blinded and do not realize what they are doing.
On the Tradition of Patron Saint’s Day (Slava) and Its Modern Challenges
Q: The period of celebrating patron saint’s days is upon us, but it seems that these celebrations are increasingly moving away from the family and home, being celebrated in restaurants and reduced to food and drink. Is this the blessed feast of God, and what is the true essence of slava?
A: The tradition of celebrating our patron saint’s day is a beautiful practice in our Church, and it is vital that the celebrations of our patron saints always begin with the Liturgy and Holy Communion, continuing in the liturgical spirit within our homes. Unfortunately, celebrating our patron saints without participating in worship and reducing it merely to food and drink reflects the increasing secularization of this custom. It is not uncommon for some to celebrate fasting patron saint’s days with non-fasting meals and excessive feasting.
he patron saint’s day table is an extension of the liturgical rite, and it is fitting for it to be an occasion for families and friends to gather in a warm, home atmosphere, avoiding unnecessary expenses and the transformation of the celebration into a worldly event.
On the Importance of Repentance and Mission
Q: How important is repentance for Christians, and does every Christian have a mission after baptism to preach and live according to the Gospel?
A: Repentance is, above all, a change in our life and our way of thinking (metanoia), not simply regret or despair. True repentance is filled with spiritual joy, and people who live in the spirit of repentance bear witness to their faith and the Gospel with their lives.
On Interreligious and Interethnic Conflicts
Q: What are the roots and who bears the greatest responsibility for interreligious and interethnic conflicts in the world, particularly among the three major religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam? To what extent has religion been misused in conflicts for interests related to money, territory, resources, and the like, and are religious leaders sufficiently engaged in promoting tolerance, peace, and love in the world?
A: Interethnic and interreligious conflicts stem from a misunderstanding of God and improper relations with one’s neighbors. In almost all faiths, there is a rule that one should not do to others what one does not wish to be done to oneself (cf. Mt. 7:12). If we all adhered to this golden rule, regardless of our differences in belief, there would never be conflicts or wars.
As Orthodox Christians, we deeply respect and live by our tradition, believing it contains the fullness of Christ’s teachings and apostolic heritage. However, we must also respect all other people who were not born into Orthodox Christianity and who seek their path to God in other ways. Christ suffered for all humanity, and the mystery of salvation transcends our understanding. Yet, as Orthodox believers, we know that if we do not live in accordance with the faith we received at baptism, we will not attain the fullness of communion with God.
Therefore, we should neither despise nor judge others but, as far as it depends on us, work to promote tolerance, peace, and love in the world while preserving our traditions and faith.
On the Challenges of Serving in Kosovo and Metohija
Q: Your Eminence, what is the greatest challenge in your metropolitan ministry, especially considering the challenges faced by the Church and the faithful in Kosovo and Metohija today?
A: Serving as a bishop in Kosovo and Metohija is a continuous experience of living in the mystery of the Cross and the Resurrection. While we witness the suffering of our people and holy places, we also witness the mystery of faith, renewal, and resurrection, along with extraordinary examples that inspire and encourage not only me personally but also many others who visit Kosovo and Metohija.
In all difficulties, it is vital to preserve faith, our identity, and love for all people. We must be aware that we, as servants of God, are here not only for our faithful but also so that, through our example and life, those who do not share our faith may come to know God as we know Him. Above all, we strive to ensure that everything we preach and do strengthens the faith of our believers and the people of God, instilling hope that with God, it is possible to walk and endure even when we feel burdened and endangered.
On Celebrating Christmas Amid Global Suffering
Q: Can Christmas be celebrated joyfully given all that is happening in the world, as the media daily reports on the killing of innocent people, the destruction of their homes, and countless homeless individuals lacking basic necessities for survival?
A: In celebrating the Feast of the Nativity, we do so with a deep awareness that the Lord Himself began His earthly life as a stranger and an exile. Immediately after His birth, Herod committed atrocities against innocent children in Bethlehem, and the Lord, along with the Most Holy Theotokos and the righteous Joseph, had to flee as a refugee to Egypt because the deluded King Herod sought His life.
The God-Child Christ found no place in any home and was born in a cave intended for animals. By this, the Lord showed that He came into the world to share all its sufferings and hardships with us and to bring us hope for a new life that transcends all the troubles of this world.
On Christmas Joy in Kosovo and Metohija
Q: The Nativity of Christ is the greatest joy of the Christian faith, and in Kosovo and Metohija we can see some of the greatest holy places in Europe and at the same time still so much injustice. The Christmas joy of the faithful on Serbian holy soil has always been special. What makes this year’s celebration unique?
A: We are filled with great joy at this year’s celebration of Christmas in Kosovo and Metohija because we deeply feel that the Lord is with us despite all the difficulties, especially with those living under hardship, in prisons, and in fear and uncertainty. The joy of Christmas is always interwoven with the joy of the Resurrection because the Lord came to bring us a peace that is not of this world. That is why we sing with the angels: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Lk. 2:14)
A Christmas Message to the Serbian People in Kosovo and Metohija
Q: What is your Christmas message to the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, whose only “guilt” is that they are ethnic Serbs, Orthodox Christians, and live on their ancestral land?
A: We pray to the Lord that this year’s celebration of Christmas in our Diocese will pass in peace and tranquility, that all people may feel the joy and warmth of the coming of the God-Child Christ, and that, even if only for a brief moment, we may set aside the transient worries and anxieties of this world to open our hearts like the cave in Bethlehem for the arrival of the God-Child Christ.
May the Lord bless our people and strengthen us so that, despite all difficulties, we remain steadfast in our faith and on our ancestral land, where for centuries we have served and glorified God even under far more challenging circumstances. Let us hold firmly to the faith that no injustice lasts forever.
With this, we extend our heartfelt Christmas greetings to all readers and our faithful with the joyful proclamation:
PEACE OF GOD TO ALL — CHRIST IS BORN!
