SOC Raška-Prizren Diocese Expresses Concern Over Provocation in front of Banjska Monastery (VIDEO)

The Raška-Prizren Diocese has expressed deep concern over repeated provocations occurring near Banjska Monastery, one of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s most significant holy sites in Kosovo and Metohija. These incidents, which disrupt the peace and safety of the monastic brotherhood and visiting faithful, have persisted for a considerable period.

All instances involving unknown and unauthorized individuals in the vicinity of the Monastery have been reported to the appropriate police authorities, as well as to EULEX and KFOR. However, there has been no concrete response or action from law enforcement to ensure the safety of the monastery and its visitors. Unauthorized access to areas surrounding the monastery buildings has been captured on security cameras, and the Diocese has repeatedly urged the relevant institutions to take necessary measures to stop such incidents. Unfortunately, these appeals have been met with silence and inaction.

VIDEO LINK: 1736009687588937

Today, another disturbing incident was recorded: unknown individuals wrote “UCK” (“Kosovo Liberation Army”) in the snow outside the monastery gate. This act is an overt provocation and further heightens the sense of insecurity among the monastic community and the faithful.

The monastery’s security camera footage clearly shows two unidentified individuals in broad daylight writing “UCK” in the snow, speaking something in Albanian, walking around the monastery buildings, and calmly descending the road without entering the monastery courtyard or church.

The Diocese calls on all relevant authorities to take responsibility for safeguarding Banjska Monastery, its brotherhood, and all those who find spiritual solace in this sacred site. It also appeals to international representatives to address this issue within their areas of responsibility. The Diocese urges all people of goodwill to support the preservation of peace and respect for holy sites, which serve as a source of comfort not only for the Serbian people but for all people of goodwill in the region.

Furthermore, it has been reported that unknown individuals have recently been observed near other Serbian Orthodox monasteries in northern Kosovo. These incidents, also recorded on security cameras, are causing significant concern and unease, particularly during these pre-Christmas days.

The Diocese will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public informed of any further developments. It calls for prayers for peace, understanding, and respect for the universal right to freedom of religion and the preservation of sacred sites.

Raška-Prizren Diocese
Gračanica, January 4, 2025