SERBIAN HERO IN THE ROYAL PALACE: Prince Filip hosted the KFOR commander who saved the Peć Patriarchate in 2004!

Prince-Heritage Filip hosted Raffaele Iubini, former commander of the Italian KFOR contingent in Kosovo and Metohija, Major General Francesco Marra, and His Grace Bishop Jovan of Pakrac and Slavonija at the Royal Palace, emphasizing the importance of people who stood up in defense of Serbian shrines and people during the most difficult times.

“It was a great pleasure for me to host Raffaele Iubini, former commander of the Italian KFOR contingent in Kosovo and Metohija, Major General Francesco Marra, and His Grace Bishop Jovan of Pakrac and Slavonija at the Royal Palace,” said Prince Filip.

He recalled that Iubini and Bishop Jovan are connected by a special friendship born during the difficult years in Kosovo and Metohija, when they jointly participated in efforts to preserve Serbian shrines and protect the people.

“The two of them are connected by a special friendship born in the difficult years in Kosovo and Metohija, when the then-monk Jovan Ćulibrk, together with Italian soldiers, participated in efforts to preserve Serbian shrines and protect our people,” stated the Prince-Heritage.

As he pointed out, the mutual respect born in those challenging times lasts to this day, and has been additionally strengthened by a shared love for skydiving and the traditional “Balkan Jumps of Friendship.”

Prince Filip particularly emphasized the significance of the role of Raffaele Iubini and his unit during the March pogrom in 2004, when they protected the Peć Patriarchate and other Serbian shrines in Metohija.

“I was particularly moved to have the opportunity to speak with a man who, together with his soldiers, guarded the Peć Patriarchate and other Serbian monasteries in Metohija. His unit patrolled day and night to protect our shrines, monasticism, and people,” emphasized Prince Filip.

He added that Italian soldiers showed at that time that churches and monasteries are not just monuments of the past, but “living symbols of identity, faith, and the endurance of the Serbian people.”

For their contribution to the protection of Serbian shrines during the 2004 pogrom, Raffaele Iubini and the members of his unit were decorated with the Order of Saint Sava, the highest recognition of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

“That decoration represents a lasting testament of our people’s gratitude to those who, in difficult moments, showed honor, courage, and humanity,” said Prince-Heritage Filip.

Speaking about Kosovo and Metohija, he emphasized that for him, that province represents much more than a territorial issue.

“For me, Kosovo and Metohija are not just a question of territory, but a question of roots, history, and covenant. Our shrines are the spiritual pillar of our people, and their preservation remains the obligation of all generations,” stated Prince Filip.

He concluded that the people who showed respect for the Serbian faith, culture, and people remain permanent friends of Serbia.

“People who showed respect for our faith, culture, and people forever remain friends of Serbia,” concluded Prince-Heritage Filip.