Petkovic: Everything Serbian is threatened in Kosovo, Christ's victory is our hope

In an Easter message, Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Petar Petkovic emphasized that on the sacred soil of Kosovo, everything Serbian is currently endangered. However, he also highlighted that it is there that the everlasting fruit of eternal national and state dignity, and unwavering determination to defend all things Serbian, has been conceived and nurtured, relying on the strength of unity and resolve to confront all contemporary and future challenges peacefully.

“On behalf of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija and myself, I extend my sincerest Easter greetings to His Holiness Patriarch of Serbia, Mr. Porfirije, His Grace Bishop of Raska-Prizren and Kosovo-Metohija, Mr. Teodosije, the clergy, monks, and all Orthodox believers, especially the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija. Christ is Risen! Easter is a holiday that unites us around the traditional, spiritual, and moral values of love, justice, understanding, and unity, which are shared by all people and represent an unbreakable spiritual foundation and a lasting element of the existence of the Serbian people,” he emphasized.

The messages of the great holiday of Christ’s resurrection remind us that throughout our centuries-old history, deeply ingrained in the historical furrows of the Serbian name is a resistance to injustice and violence against our national identity, name, and sacred Orthodox faith.

“On our sacred soil in Kosovo, everything Serbian is currently endangered, but it is precisely here that the timeless fruit of our eternal national and state dignity, and our unwavering determination to defend and preserve all that is ours peacefully, was conceived and nurtured. This resolve relies on the strength of unity and determination to face all modern and future challenges. This year, I wanted to share the joy of the greatest Christian holiday with our people in Kosovo and Metohija, but the senseless policies of Pristina prevented me. My visit was intended to celebrate a holiday that carries messages of peace, love, and understanding among all people of goodwill, regardless of faith or nationality. It was precisely these messages that I wanted to convey, together with our people, from Visoki Decani, our foundation and centuries-old beacon,” Petkovic stated.

He stressed that, despite being physically separated, he is firmly and steadfastly with his people in Kosovo, especially today, on this great holiday.

“Christ's victory is our hope, which continually reminds us to persist in affirming good, not losing faith in a better and happier tomorrow and a new life that always comes after suffering. Let us turn to peace, unity, and philanthropy, ensuring that our holiday joy is pure and complete so that we can truly bear witness to Christ's Resurrection. Kosovo and Metohija will forever remain a part of Serbia, our collective destination, where we protect our hearths and sanctuaries, laying the foundation for our future today. With joyful Easter greetings of eternal truth, hope, and love, I once again wish you a happy holiday – Christ is Risen, Indeed He is Risen,” wrote Petkovic in his Easter message.