Amid ongoing student-led protests and university blockades across Serbia, students of the University of Niš have issued a strongly worded open letter to Patriarch Porfirije, following his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and controversial remarks referencing a “color revolution” in Serbia.
The students, currently engaged in protest, did not hold back. Their full statement, now widely circulated, condemns the Patriarch’s comments and questions the alignment of the Serbian Orthodox Church with state power.
“We express deep disappointment, sorrow, and outrage over Patriarch Porfirije’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the statements he made on that occasion,” the letter begins. “By saying that a ‘color revolution’ is being prevented in Serbia, the Patriarch has stood side by side with those who call our struggle—a fight by young people for dignity, justice, and freedom—a coup d’état.”
Calling the remarks a betrayal, the students continue:
— Neformalna grupa studenata Niša (@ngs_nis) April 24, 2025
The letter continues with criticism of the Church’s perceived proximity to the regime, asserting that such ties have undermined its moral authority.
“Instead of standing with your people in defense of their dignity, you chose to sit with an autocrat who has plunged his own nation into war and who spreads fear, division, and repression across others.”
Students accused the Church leadership of becoming a “tool of political propaganda”, abandoning its role as a refuge for the vulnerable.
“They have devalued everything that gives life meaning—knowledge, labor, law, and now, in order to cling to power, they have devalued the Church as well.”
“We are not attacking Orthodoxy—we are defending its core values: truth, justice, love, and solidarity. We are not attacking faith—we are calling for its genuine witness. We didn’t condemn the Church for its silence. But you condemned our 16 minutes of silence.”
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In a powerful closing, the students ask:
“Where were you, Patriarch, when children were hungry, when women suffered violence, when the youth fled this country? Why are you not with the people?”
“The Church does not fall when it is attacked. It falls when it is led by the unworthy. Everyone must choose their side—we have chosen truth.”
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Source: Nova.rs, Foto: ATA Images