The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Kosova has announced the official opening of registration for Albanian Orthodox believers following a successful court ruling against claims made by the Serbian Orthodox Church regarding its legitimacy.
Speaking to KosovaPress, Archbishop Nikolla Xhufka stated that the judicial process affirmed the right of the Kosova Orthodox community to function legally and independently.
Legal Battle and Political Accusations
Addressing the court proceedings, Archbishop Xhufka criticized the Serbian Orthodox Church for politicizing religion and creating divisions within the country:
Archbishop Nikolla Xhufka: “In my opinion, this trial shouldn’t even have been necessary because the Constitution clearly states that everyone has the right to practice their faith… The Serbian church has turned religion into a political party. A true Christian does not engage in division.”
Xhufka also publicly called on state authorities and the Kosova Police to declare the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church persona non grata, arguing that his repeated public statements claiming “Kosova is the heart of Serbia” incite ethnic and religious hatred.
Dispute Over Historical Monasteries
The court case is part of a broader ongoing legal and territorial dispute between the two bodies, notably concerning the Monastery of Podujeva:
- Ownership Claims: While the Serbian Orthodox Church claims ownership of the Podujeva site, Xhufka maintains that historical records prove it is an Albanian Orthodox property.
- Restitution Goal: The Archbishop asserted that all historic Albanian churches and monasteries currently occupied or claimed by the Serbian Orthodox Church will eventually be reclaimed.
Registration Process Underway
The official registration drive for Albanian Orthodox believers kicked off over the weekend in Pristina with no fixed deadline:
| Key Registration Details | Summary |
| Eligibility | Exclusively open to Albanian Orthodox believers. |
| Initial Turnout | 15 believers registered in Pristina by Sunday afternoon, with higher turnout expected during weekdays as residents from outside the capital travel in. |
| Duration | Open-ended with no closing deadline. |
