The Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church has expressed condolences to the families of four Serbs and Albanians who lost their lives during the clash between the Serbian population and the Kosovo police on September 24.
The Prime Minister of the unrecognized Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, stated that unknown individuals attacked the police on the night of September 24. According to him, the attack occurred with the support of Serbian authorities. Kurti showed journalists photographs of armed men hiding in a monastery and stated that they were "not civilians." He called for their surrender. After the clash, access to the village was blocked, and checkpoints between Kosovo and Serbia were closed.
According to the police, armed individuals fled to the Banjska Monastery, 15 km from the Serbian border. In turn, the diocese reported that "masked men and armored vehicles" broke the gates and invaded the monastery. At that time, a group of pilgrims from Novi Sad, Serbia, was in the monastery, as stated by the diocese. According to Serbian media, the pilgrims were stranded in the monastery and could only leave the next day.
Following the clash, Serbia requested international organizations to investigate the actions of the Kosovo police. The Serbian government declared September 27 a day of mourning in connection with the deaths of four people in Kosovo and Metohija. A three-day mourning period from September 26 to 28 was also declared in Serbian areas of Kosovo.
The Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church issued a statement on the situation in Kosovo. Urging believers to pray for peace between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija, the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church expressed regret that many in Kosovo and Serbia are trying to depict the Serbian Orthodox Church as a participant, even an instigator, of conflicts and tragic events.
The Synod reminded that "the Church has always stood and stands for resolving disagreements in Kosovo and Metohija peacefully and through dialogue, aiming for peaceful coexistence of Serbs, Albanians, and all other people living in this area."
The Synod's statement mentioned that the Serbian population in Kosovo is being persecuted by local authorities. "We send a message of boundless love and fatherly care to our brothers and sisters in Kosovo and Metohija. The Serbian Church will always generously assist you, our much-suffering but resilient, proud people in Kosovo and Metohija," the document stated.
The Synod emphasized that "Kosovo and Metohija are an integral part of the state of Serbia for the Serbian Orthodox Church," stating their support and encouragement for the continuation of peaceful dialogue to achieve peace and address vital issues for all residents of this territory.