The unclear attitude of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Russia: a look behind the scenes

The unclear attitude of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Russia: a look behind the scenes

The meeting of high -ranking Serbian personalities from politics and church at the end of March attracted attention in the Balkans. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Patriarch Porfirije Peric and President Milorad Dodik met to make plans to ensure the survival of the Serbian people, especially with regard to the cultural heritage and the Serbian Orthodox Church. It is speculated whether Russia played a role in this meeting, since the myth of the "big brother" of Russia is often present in Serbian society. Although there is no anti -Ukrainian mood in the Serbian society, there are still pro -Russian views in some public appearances and statements of high -ranking clerics.

The attitude of the Serbian Orthodox Church in relation to the war between Russia and Ukraine remains unclear. While the patriarch expressed criticism of this war in 2022, other high -ranking clerics seem to represent Prorussian views. The Serbian Orthodox Church in Zagreb-Ljubljana was cautious and emphasized its neutrality in political matters. Support was offered both Ukrainian refugees and members of the Russian Orthodox Church. Nevertheless, critics such as Vukasin Milicevic criticize that the Serbian Orthodox Church is publicly positioned very pro-Russian, without explicit pressure from Russian authorities.

In addition to disagreements in the church, criticism also becomes loud from the outside. Theologians like Zoran Grozdanov and Thomas Halik express concerns about the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church and demand consequences. Criticism is primarily directed against the latest fundamental document in the world's world's convention of the Russian people, which represents the war of Russia as a "Holy War" against the "rush of globalism and the West". Some voices, like those of Halik, demand the exclusion of the Russian Orthodox Church from the ecumenical council of the churches. The international situation is considered serious, with special focus on the Russian propaganda and its influence on conservative Christians in Europe. It remains to be seen how the Orthodox churches will position themselves on this topic.