The Serbian government has approved a €1 million allocation from its budget reserve to Eparhia Bihaćko-Petrovačke in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the high-profile award of the Order of the New Martyrs of Bihać-Petrovačka to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić by the eparchy’s bishop, Sergije, on February 9.
The government framed the funds as “financial assistance” for the eparchy, signed off by Prime Minister Đuro Macut. Critics, however, see the timing and optics as deeply problematic: Vučić receives a religious honor while public funds are directed to an institution whose leader has openly aligned with his political agenda.
Bishop Sergije is known for his staunch support of Vučić and for publicly attacking dissenters. He has compared Vučić to historical and religious figures and denounced student protesters, claiming they were manipulated by “hajduk dens,” echoing a pattern of dismissing legitimate civic activism.
The Order of the New Martyrs Bihać-Petrovačke is historically intended to honor Orthodox Christians who were killed in the region during the 20th century. Past recipients include political and religious figures such as Aleksandar Vulin, Bratislav Gašić, Milorad Dodik, and Patrijarh Porfirije.
The move has drawn criticism for blurring the lines between church and state, rewarding political loyalty over merit, and using religious symbolism to legitimize Vučić’s leadership. Observers warn that such acts risk eroding democratic norms in Serbia, as public resources are effectively used to reinforce the president’s personal prestige.
