On 3 May 2025, Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral Joanikije led a liturgy in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s entity, the Serb Republic, commemorating Montenegrin Chetniks killed by the Ustashas in 1945. During the service, he referred to Chetnik commander Pavle Djurisic as a “great hero” and a person of “invincible character.” This statement has ignited widespread condemnation from various civil society groups, political parties, and religious communities across Montenegro.
A coalition of 13 non-governmental organizations, including the Center for Civic Education (CGO), Human Rights Action (HRA), and others, condemned Joanikije’s remarks, labelling them as a dangerous attempt at historical revisionism. They emphasized that Djurisic was a proven war criminal responsible for mass atrocities and ethnic cleansing during World War II.
The Bosniak Council in Montenegro strongly condemned the glorification of Djurisic, stating that such figures have no place in a civilised society and that religious institutions should oppose such tendencies.
The Civic Movement URA also expressed strong disapproval, arguing that praising figures like Djurisic constitutes an attempt at historical revisionism and a denial of Montenegro’s antifascist struggle.
Ivan Vujovic, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and one of the European Alliance leaders, criticized Joanikije’s statements, highlighting Djurisic’s role in promoting a criminal ideology of ethnic cleansing.
Rifat Fejzic, the Reis of the Islamic Community in Montenegro, described Djurisic as a coward and a criminal, sharing wartime reports detailing massacres under his command.
The Ministry of Culture and Media of Montenegro expressed concerns over the Serbian Orthodox Church’s gathering at the ruins of Duklja near Podgorica on 27 April 2025, citing unclear ownership and potential violations of cultural heritage laws.
Danijela Popovic from the Liberal Party criticised the event as an appropriation of Montenegrin cultural heritage, questioning the involvement of Serbian officials and the Church.
The Serbian Orthodox Church’s recent actions and statements have sparked a national debate in Montenegro, with widespread condemnation from various sectors of society. The glorification of a historical war criminal and the controversial use of cultural heritage sites have raised concerns about historical revisionism and the preservation of Montenegro’s antifascist legacy.
