Serbian Patriarch Denounces Violence During Belgrade Protest

Belgrade, January 17, 2025

Photo: spc.rs

The primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church has responded to a violent incident that occurred in Belgrade yesterday.

A 20-year-old student protester was hospitalized in Belgrade after being hit by a car during Thursday’s anti-government demonstration. The 38-year-old driver has been arrested and faces attempted murder charges.

The incident is part of ongoing student protests against President Vučić’s government, sparked by concerns over civil liberties and corruption. Despite government attempts to discredit them, the protests continue to draw large crowds.

In response to the lamentable incident, His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church stated:

I am deeply shaken by today’s event in Belgrade, when a law student was hit by a car and severely injured. I expect those responsible for this act to answer before the law. I pray to the Lord the Healer for Sonja’s quick recovery from her injuries. Again and again I warn that aggression and violence will bring no good to anyone, and I call on everyone for peace and mutual respect.

“Our mothers, wives, and sisters are sacred”—Serbian Patriarch against domestic violenceThe Church has always given the highest of honor to women, as evidenced most of all by the veneration of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Patriarch writes.

“>In October 2022, His Holiness released a statement against domestic violence, and Serbian Patriarch’s condolences for tragic school shootingA tragedy unfolded in Belgrade yesterday when a 13-year-old boy opened fire at his school, killing seven girls, one boy, and one security guard and seriously injuring another six children and one teacher, who had to be hospitalized.”>in May 2023 he issued a statement of condolence in response to a school shooting.