Orthodox Hierarchs Express Condolences as Montenegro Grieves Victims of Recent Shooting

Cetinje, Montenegro, January 3, 2025

Photo: spc.rs

A shooter in Cetinje, Montenegro, took the lives of 12 individuals, including two children, before ending his own life on Wednesday, January 1. The violent spree was triggered by a dispute at a bar, resulting in the deaths of the bar owner, the owner’s children, and several family members of the assailant, including his sister. The violent incidents took place across six separate locations, culminating in the suicide of 45-year-old Aco Martinović.

In response to this tragedy, the government announced three days of national mourning commencing January 2, leading to the cancellation of New Year celebrations throughout the nation. This marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje in recent years.

His Eminence Metropolitan Joanikije, the leader of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Metropolis of Montenegro, extended his heartfelt condolences:

In light of the dreadful incident that transpired today in Cetinje, where a resident from Bajice killed 12 individuals, including children, we wish to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims in their profound sorrow.

We urge all Orthodox Christians and individuals of good conscience to offer prayers to God for the peace of the souls of the departed, for the restoration of tranquility in Cetinje, and for the healing of those affected by this tragedy.

We support all initiatives by the appropriate state authorities and expect prompt and effective measures to restore order and ensure the safety of the city’s residents.

His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia also conveyed his condolences to Met. Joanikije, underscoring the necessity of a return to Christian principles:

The gift of life is a priceless treasure, as every person is brought into this world through God’s wisdom and love. Consequently, it is essential for us to express, in light of yesterday’s tragic occurrence in the historic and revered Cetinje, where twelve lives were lost, our prayerful condolences and paternal support to the faithful community and the victims’ families.

Together with you and our brother hierarchs of the Holy Church, we are deeply troubled by the fact that this is just one in a series of tragic incidents that have taken place recently in the neighboring areas. These pre-Nativity days remind us that only a fundamental return to Christian values can lead to spiritual peace and sound judgment in times of personal and collective crises.

Amidst this overwhelming sorrow, we pray for the souls of the innocent children of God, while our hearts and prayers remain with the families of the victims. May Christ bring comfort and strength to their grieving hearts, illuminate the souls of the departed with His eternal light, and grant them everlasting peace.

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