Metropolitan Teodosije Receives Supreme NATO Commander in Europe General Alexus G. Grynkewich and KFOR Commander General Roberto Vergori

His Eminence Metropolitan Teodosije of Raška and Prizren, together with Archimandrite Sava, Abbot of Dečani Monastery, today received NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus G. Grynkewich, and the KFOR Commander, Major General Roberto Vergori, accompanied by members of their respective staffs, at Gračanica Monastery.

The guests first visited the monastery church, where Metropolitan Teodosije introduced them to the history of Gračanica, an endowment of the Holy King Milutin spanning more than seven centuries, and to the exceptional spiritual, artistic and cultural significance of its frescoes. The tour also provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of this holy site in the life of the Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful, as well as the preservation of its heritage for future generations.

During the subsequent meeting in the monastery residence, Metropolitan Teodosije briefed the distinguished guests on the life and spiritual mission of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and Metohija and the challenges faced daily by its clergy, monastics and faithful. He drew particular attention to the Serbian population’s concerns about their security and future, as well as to the importance of upholding the rule of law, freedom of movement and religious freedom, and protecting Church property.

The Metropolitan emphasised that KFOR’s presence and the consistent, impartial fulfilment of its mandate are essential to preserving peace and stability and ensuring the security of all communities. For the Serbian people, particularly those in vulnerable and isolated communities, trust in the international peacekeeping forces provides an important source of support in their daily lives and in their efforts to remain in their homes.

The Diocese of Raška and Prizren particularly values the longstanding commitment of KFOR personnel to the direct protection of Visoki Dečani Monastery, which remains under their protection. Maintaining this protection, together with regular communication with the Diocese and the monastic brotherhood, is of the utmost importance to the security of the Monastery and the confidence of the faithful.

The Diocese remains committed to open dialogue and cooperation with KFOR, in the conviction that lasting peace is built by protecting every person, respecting the rights of all communities and creating conditions in which the life of the Church and its holy sites can continue unhindered. Preserving Orthodox spiritual and cultural heritage entails not only protecting monuments, but also caring for the living monastic and parish communities that have safeguarded this heritage for centuries.

The meeting took place in a warm and open atmosphere, reflecting the established cooperation between the Diocese of Raška and Prizren and KFOR, and their shared efforts to preserve the peace, security and dignity of all people in Kosovo and Metohija.