Patriarch Porfirije: It is a painful fact that the head of a religious community is forbidden to go to his home

SOC Patriarch Porfirije said that, although he was banned from entering Kosovo yesterday, he hoped to soon be with the people of Kosovo, and appealed to everyone to influence Pristina's decision and allow him to go to the Patriarchate of Pec.

The Patriarch emphasized that the situation in Kosovo was very serious and that the tensions reached a point from which paths could be opened that no one wants to take.

"I don't have much to say on this occasion, especially after yesterday, which was sad for me, but it is more important that it was sad for our brothers and sisters in Kosovo, for our nuns and monks who expected from the head of their churches to come to their patriarchate and pray to God for our people who are not having it easy, for peace in the world, and above all for mutual understanding, coexistence and peace between Albanians and Serbs. Because it is certain that only we can better understand each other through our efforts. For centuries, Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija have lived together. If there is good will, a way to a better life can be found. At this moment, regardless of the fact that I was forbidden to go to Kosovo, I am sure that soon I will be with them there and that I will pray to God with them," Patriarch Porfirije said.

As he emphasized, it was a painful fact that the Patriarch cannot go to his house.

"I'm not going to get into the scope of what civil rights are, but the Patriarchate of Pec is for us what the Vatican is for the Roman Catholic Church. Imagine if someone for no reason forbids the Pope from entering the Vatican. I say this because I'm sure that the whole world would rose to his feet. This fact is also painful, as is the question of whether there is a religious leader who cannot visit his house and cannot go to his house," Patriarch Porfirije pointed out.

He appealed to everyone who could influence decision-makers in Pristina, to change such a decision.

"I repeated that we must do everything to preserve peace at all costs, and I personally asked President Vucic and the Government to do everything to preserve peace, to prevent armed conflicts. At the same time, I am also asking those in power in Pristina, as well as the great powers, that they also do their best to help preserve peace and that human lives are of greater interest than anything else. I am absolutely positive they can do it. I pray to God that with his love he touches the minds and hearts of all people, especially those who live in Kosovo and Metohija, and that there may be peace between Albanians and Serbs, that it may be a day of joy, peace, and love for all of us who celebrate Christmas," Patriarch Porfirije concluded.