Pastor Burns with the Patriarch in Kosovo: I come to show respect for all communities

Pastor Mark Burns, spiritual adviser to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who has been visiting Belgrade in recent days, has traveled to Kosovo, saying that he is not coming to deepen divisions or reopen old wounds, but to listen and show respect for the dignity of every community.

"Entering Kosovo together with His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije, at a moment of profound spiritual and historical significance," Burns wrote on Facebook, alongside a video featuring the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

He added that, as a spiritual diplomat, he believes peace requires more than words.

"It requires the courage to cross boundaries, enter difficult and sensitive places, listen to communities whose suffering is too often overlooked, and stand up for the dignity of every human life," Pastor Burns stated.

In another video, recorded during his journey to Kosovo, Burns said that he had come to listen and to show respect for the dignity of every community.

"Entering Kosovo with a heart filled with peace, prayer, and reconciliation. This land bears a profound history, sacred faith, and painful memories for many people. As a spiritual diplomat, I have not come to deepen divisions or reopen old wounds. I have come to listen, to honor the dignity of every community, and to pray for a future in which families can live without fear," Pastor Burns said.

According to the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Porfirije arrived in Kosovo this afternoon together with Pastor Burns, where they will visit the Patriarchate of Pec, the Serbian Orthodox Church's stavropegial lavra and its ancient seat.

"Tomorrow, Patriarch Porfirije, accompanied by Pastor Burns and members of the clergy, will visit the Visoki Decani Monastery and other Serbian Orthodox holy sites in Kosovo and Metohija," the Serbian Orthodox Church announced.

On Friday, Pastor Burns met with Serbian Patriarch Porfirije at the Patriarchal Palace in Belgrade. The Serbian Orthodox Church said that the meeting was held in a spirit of mutual understanding, with the aim of enhancing cooperation between the two Christian countries and the two Christian peoples.