STATEMENT: Kosovo authorities ban Patriarch Porfirije from visiting the Peć Patriarchate

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Kosovo authorities have banned Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Porfirije from traveling to the Peć Patriarchate.

The Patriarch stated that he does not give up his intention to serve in the Peć Patriarchate and expects this decision to be annulled.

"It is stated that the Patriarch does not give up his intention to serve the Divine Liturgy in the Peć Patriarchate and that he expects this, as stated, extremely discriminatory decision to be annulled and that the violation of human rights and religious freedoms cease," the SPC statement says.

"Patriarch Porfirije prays to God for peace and goodwill among all people, and especially prays for peace to prevail between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo, where they have lived together for centuries," the statement from the Office of the Serbian Patriarch reads.