As devastating wildfires continue to sweep through various regions of Montenegro, churches across the country held special prayer services on August 13, asking for rain and an end to the disaster. The prayers, organized by the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral, took place at noon in all affiliated churches.

At the Cathedral of St. John Vladimir in the coastal city of Bar, six priests led the service, with senior cleric Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Slobodan Zeković presiding. In his sermon, Fr. Marjan Petkovski reflected on human vulnerability in the face of natural disasters, urging worshippers to place their trust in God. He also expressed deep gratitude to firefighters, rescue workers, and soldiers, calling them “heroes we cannot do without,” who have been working around the clock, often without rest for 48 hours straight.

Wildfires near Podgorica, Nikšić, Danilovgrad, and other areas have been partially contained with assistance from aerial units sent by Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, and other countries. However, the situation remains critical. In recent days, several individuals — including a minor — have been arrested on suspicion of arson.

Tragedy struck on August 12 when a Montenegrin soldier died while battling a blaze in Kuči. Another soldier was seriously injured. In honor of the fallen serviceman, August 14 has been declared a national day of mourning.

President Jakov Milatović convened a meeting of the National Security Council, ordering a full investigation into the causes of the fires and calling for stricter penalties for arsonists. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić acknowledged a lack of firefighting equipment and announced plans to boost funding for emergency services, according to RTS.