This morning, members of the Kosovo Police stopped a handful of believers and Serbian Orthodox Church priests from attending and serving a liturgy on the occasion of Ascension Day at the Church of Christ the Savior in Priština.

When the believers and the clergy gathered in front of the church this morning, a large number of members of the police prevented them for approaching the Church of Christ the Savior, or entering it. The Office for Kosovo and Metohija communicated the issue this morning.

The Radio of Kosovo and Metohija reported that the members of the Kosovo Police refused to provide the priests with a reason why they were not allowed to hold the service.

In order to avoid any incidents and protect the believers, the Serbian Orthodox Church priests invited the crowd to head towards the Saint Nicholas Church in Priština, where the liturgy was held, added the announcement of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija.

Without a doubt, this uncivilized act by the Kosovo Police was directly organized by the Priština authorities, and shows their attitude towards the freedom of religion in Kosovo and Metohija, the Serbian Orthodox Church and the believing Serbian people,” said the Office’s announcement, adding that Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija are being banned from entering churches and holy sites, praying to God and practicing their faith, while Serbian Orthodox Church’s buildings are being desecrated on a daily basis, and that is the reality which Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija live with.

The Office also reminded that graffiti reading “Jesus Hates Serbs” were sprayed on this very Church last year, along with numerous other derogatory messages.

“It is high time that the representatives of the international community clearly saw the kind of persecution that Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija are faced with, and took appropriate steps to protect the legitimate rights and freedoms of the Serbian people in the province, concluded the announcement of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija.