Tivat, Montenegro, January 15, 2025
Photo: mitropolija.com
The Serbian Orthodox Church has reported a disturbing incident targeting one of its priests in Tivat. According to a statement from the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral, the family home of Fr. Mijajlo Backović, the parish priest of Tivat, was attacked last night, threatening the safety of his immediate family.
“Although the burned vehicle was not owned by the priest but was lent to him by a friend in recent years, this method of attack reminds everyone of the dirty trail of criminal gangs,” the Church statement reads.
Fr. Mijajlo is considered one of the most influential priests of the Serbian Church in Montenegro, who, due to his activities, has often been the target of public verbal and media attacks from groups that disagree with his views.
The Metropolitanate strongly condemned the incident as “a deeply anti-Church act,” noting that “the criminals’ intention was to compromise the safety of the priest, his wife, and children.” The Church calls on state authorities and local government to take all necessary measures to identify and punish the perpetrators.
The Church statement also addresses broader concerns, suggesting that such an attack was not entirely unexpected “given the amount of lies, provocations, and slander being served against the Church and its clergy, particularly intensified these days.”
The Metropolitanate concludes its statement with a call for peace, urging all social actors to “show the necessary responsibility and do everything to restore peace and security to our homes” during these challenging times.
“The image of Tivat as a peaceful and safe city has been greatly damaged,” said Mayor Željko Komnenović.
Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!
