A tragic incident in the Montenegrin city of Cetinje claimed the lives of 12 people, including children. A local resident, Aco Martinović, opened fire in the Bajice suburb before attempting to take his own life. He died en route to the hospital.

According to police, the shooter had been drinking in a café throughout the day, later returning home to retrieve a weapon and launch the attack. Among the victims were several of his family members and café patrons. Four individuals remain hospitalized, with three in critical condition.

Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called on believers to pray for the repose of the deceased and for peace in the city. Serbian Patriarch Porfirije also addressed the clergy and residents of Cetinje, urging them to pray and return to Christian values.

A memorial service for the victims was held at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Podgorica, attended by government representatives, clergy, and local residents. Father Igor Balaban, Secretary of the Diocesan Council of the Metropolis of Montenegro and the Littoral, delivered a pastoral address. He emphasized the need to combat hatred and violence in society.

"We must guard our hearts and teach our children that a single human soul is worth more than all the treasures of the world," Father Igor said.

Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, sent condolences to Metropolitan Joanikije in connection with the tragedy.

"I pray to the All-Merciful Lord... that He may grant eternal comfort and good hope through grace (2 Thess. 2:16) to all whose joy of His coming is overshadowed by the bitter sorrow of losing loved ones, that He may ease every pain and heal every wound caused by this terrible event," Metropolitan Anthony wrote.