Bishop Teodosije: Support for the Initiative of the President of Serbia to help the Survival of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija

Church of Serbia – 28/2/21

On the occasion of the statement of the President of Serbia, Mr. Aleksandar Vucic, at the meeting with the political representatives of our people in Kosovo and Metohija in Kursumlija, the Diocese of Raska and Prizren wholeheartedly welcomes the initiative of the President and the announcement that the state of Serbia will take additional steps to encourage our people to survive and stay on their centuries-old homes.

It is especially important that all citizens living in Kosovo and Metohija will receive financial assistance, the unemployed 200 euros per person, and the employed and each child 100 euros. This financial assistance from the state will significantly contribute to the economic recovery of our people, which is additionally endangered due to the recent floods and the coronavirus pandemic.

We also sincerely welcome the announcement of the construction of the Clinical Hospital Center in Gracanica and the modernization of the existing Clinical Hospital Center in Kosovska Mitrovica, as well as investments in educational institutions and infrastructure in Serbian communities. Kosovska Mitrovica and Gracanica are two centres of key importance for the health and education of our people in Kosovo and Metohija. With these announcements and concrete measures that will be taken, the state of Serbia clearly sends the message to stay firmly with its people in Kosovo and Metohija, both north and south of the Ibar River, which will significantly contribute to encourage and help those in difficult economic situation. For years, our Diocese, with the help of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, has been surviving with its clergy, monks and faithful people in very difficult safety and economic conditions. This is an opportunity to once again, and in this way, thank our state and our people who live in central Serbia and the diaspora, for their selfless help.

It is quite clear to us, who live in the area of ​​Kosovo and Metohija today, that our State and Church are of key importance for the survival of the people and the preservation of Kosovo and Metohija. By contributing, each in his own way and within his capabilities and responsibilities, we have a historical obligation to protect and preserve what we possess and especially to encourage our people to live, who, despite all the troubles and misfortunes, remained in this area. We sincerely hope, if God permits, that those who had to move under various pressures will return to their homes and lands in the foreseeable future, wherever it is possible. As the Church, we remain deeply committed to strengthening the unity of our people, around our centuries-old shrines and spiritual values, which have preserved us in these sacred areas for centuries.

Gracanica, February 27, 2021

Bishop of Raska and Prizren
Teodosije

Diocese of Raska-Prizren

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