The International Orthodox Christian News website reports today that the Serbian Orthodox Church has removed the hard-line spiritual leader of Kosovo Serbs on suspicion that he embezzled church and state funds.
The Holy Synod -- the church's top body -- ruled today (February 13, 2010) that Archbishop Artemije can no longer lead the church in Kosovo, which is considered the heartland of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Kosovo broke away from Serbia and declared its independence in 2008.
Artemije -- known for his ultra-nationalist and anti-Western views -- was investigated by the church for allegedly mishandling millions of euros (dollars) in aid and government funds over several years.
Hundreds of Artemije's supporters -- including some priests from Kosovo -- gathered in front of the Orthodox Church headquarters in Belgrade today during the Holy Synod meeting.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment