Serbia Marks 25 Years Since NATO Bombing with Call for Peace

SPC.rs – OCP News Service – 30/03/2024

Belgrade-Serbia: Serbian Patriarch Porfirije led a memorial service yesterday at the Square of Toplica Heroes, commemorating the victims of the 1999 NATO bombing campaign on March 24,2024. In his address, the Patriarch emphasized the importance of choosing love and peace over hatred and war.

“We stand on the side of love, not hatred; peace, not war,” declared Patriarch Porfirije. He acknowledged the high cost of such a stance but emphasized its importance for both earthly survival and eternal salvation.

The Patriarch paid tribute to innocent victims like Milica Rakić and Boban Nedeljković, comparing them to the biblical figure of Abel. He stressed that their suffering serves as a “pledge of our hope and the seed of salvation.”

While expressing sorrow for the loss, Patriarch Porfirije emphasized faith in God’s love and forgiveness. He highlighted the importance of remembering the past but moving forward with hope and a commitment to peace.

The service took place near the relics of Saint Procopius, a symbol of unwavering faith. The Patriarch praised the people of Toplica for their bravery and resilience, citing their historical fight for freedom and their continued message of peace.

He concluded by calling for unity and understanding, even with those who have wronged Serbia. He emphasized that remembering the suffering serves not to harbor grudges but to promote truth, justice, and love.

The Patriarch’s speech reflects Serbia’s ongoing struggle to reconcile with the bombing campaign and its aftermath. While the wounds remain deep, the call for peace and forgiveness offers a path for the future.

Source:

OCP News Services, SPC.rs