Bishop Irinej: The SOC symbolizes the existence of the Serbs, where there is a church, our people will endure

Bishop Irinej of Eastern America, who is currently participating in a conference dedicated to Kosovo in Washington, stated that such an event, held for the first time in the United States, was crucial for making the truth heard, emphasizing that the Serbian Orthodox Church was a symbol of the existence of the Serbs wherever they lived.

"That's why I came here, to participate in the conference, so that we, as a Church, can show that we are not the ones behind the conflict. The Church upholds order and discipline," Bishop Irinej said for Kosovo Online.

He pointed out that the Serbian Orthodox Church was a living symbol of the existence of the Serbs.

"Wherever there is a church or a monastery, it means that the Serbs are present and will remain in that place. Not only will they endure, but they will prosper and live with full spirit. And live to the fullest in Kosovo. This is the great desire of the Church, and that's why we distance ourselves from everything happening in Kosovo because we do not support it. The truth must be emphasized at every step," Bishop Irinej emphasized.

Commenting on the deportation of the abbot of the Devina Voda Monastery near Zvecan, Father Fotije, without explanation, stated that it was "a terrible thing".

"Even here in the United States, we must promote the stance of our church, our people. This is important because if we don't present that truth, who will? We mustn't hide but come out in public, speak about ourselves, our church... When people hear that, it changes the perception of the Serbian Orthodox Church," Bishop Irinej of Eastern America added.