Desecration at St. Naum Monastery: Albanian Flag Raised in Vandalistic Act

OCP News Service – 01/12/2023

Ohrid- Macedonia: Security camera footage from St. Naum the Wonderworker Monastery on the picturesque Popova Šapka peak in North Macedonia captured a disturbing incident on 28 November 2023. Two masked individuals were seen removing the Macedonian Orthodox Church (MOC-OA) flag from the monastery’s flagpole and replacing it with an Albanian flag.

In response to this shocking act, the Tetovo-Gostivar Diocese of the MOC-OA swiftly issued a strong condemnation. The diocese expressed deep concern over the vandalistic act, emphasizing that it had reported the incident to the Tetovo Department of Internal Affairs through the parish priest. The Diocese urged a prompt investigation and expects the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly.

The official statement from the Diocese reads: “The Tetovo-Gostivar Diocese of the MOC-OA strongly condemns the vandalistic act of removing the Church flag from the monastic property at Popova Šapka. We expect the perpetrators to be brought to justice as soon as possible. We appeal to citizens not to succumb to the frequent provocations and to be dedicated to peace and good interreligious relations.”

According to a report from Sloboden Pečat, the Macedonian Orthodox Church flag was once again hoisted in the monastery courtyard after the desecration. The report sheds light on the ongoing political dynamics in the region, pointing to a silent response from Albanian political parties regarding the reprehensible act.

Local authorities and religious leaders are working collaboratively to address the situation and prevent any escalation of tensions. The Tetovo-Gostivar Diocese calls for unity among citizens to resist provocations and uphold the values of peaceful coexistence among different religious communities.

Source:

OCP News Service