Letter to President of Serbia Mr. Boris Tadic, sent from the extraordinary session of the Holy Synod of Bishops and the Committee for Kosovo and Metohija of the Holy Assembly of Bishops

The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church
number 1176/11, September 15, 201
in Belgrade

Dear Mr. President,

We refer you from an extraordinary joint session of the Holy Synod of Bishops and the Committee for Kosovo and Metohija of the Holy Assembly of Bishops, we are aware that we are in the hours which are crucial for the survival of our nation and the Church in Kosovo and Metohija, as well as that upcoming days in many ways can choose their future.

We are deeply convinced that the Serbian nation has the strength and will also now, at the last moment, to confront in a brave, wise, responsible and dignified manner the violence that threatens him. We remind ourselves and You and all the people of the wise words of Patriarch Gavrilo of blessed repose, said before much more severe events in March 1941:„Humble ourselves before God and sit up before people”. This position will be understood also by our people, and its friends and enemies.

We call You and ask you that You as the President, as well as the Government of Serbia, to do all you can to to prevent the approaching tragedy and save our people on its centuries-old places and its sanctities in Kosovo and Metohija, in which you can count on the cooperation of the Serbian Orthodox Church and our personal humbleness.

Wishing you all the best from the Lord,

Archbishop of Pec
Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovac
and Serbian Patriarch
I R I N Е J