Eparchy of Raska and Prizren: Relocating the memorial plaque is an attempt to obscure the truth about the historical role of Serbs in Kosovo

The Eparchy of Raska and Prizren has expressed deep concern over the relocation of the memorial plaque dedicated to Serbian soldiers who had fallen in the Balkan Wars and World War I at the military section of the Orthodox cemetery in Pristina, emphasizing that neither the Serbian community nor the Eparchy had been consulted about this move.

The Eparchy of Raska and Prizren points out that this action once again demonstrates disrespect for Serbian graves and monuments. Moreover, it asserts that by rewriting history, an attempt is made to obscure the undeniable truths about the participation and historical role of the Serbian people in Kosovo.

"Neither the Serbian community, which uses this cemetery, nor the Eparchy of Raska-Prizren, responsible for the spiritual care of Orthodox cemeteries in Kosovo and Metohija, were consulted about the relocation of the memorial plaque dedicated to the liberators of World War I, who made great sacrifices alongside other Allied soldiers. This not only shows disrespect for a memorial on an Orthodox cemetery in Kosovo and Metohija by an official city institution but also attempts to obscure the undeniable truths about the participation and historical role of the Serbian people in these areas," the statement reads.

This, as stated by the Eparchy, illustrates the fate of our cultural and religious heritage if the protection of that heritage were solely entrusted to Kosovo institutions.

The Eparchy's legal service will explore all possibilities to return the memorial plaque to its original location and to ensure the dignified preservation of the Serbian cemetery in Pristina in the future.

"However, above all, the frequent desecration and damage to Serbian spiritual and cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija show the need for a higher level of protection for our cultural and spiritual heritage if we want that heritage to survive in these areas as it is," concludes the statement.