22-27 NOVEMBER 2005: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN GEORGIA : CHRISTIANITY IN OUR LIFE: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

22-27 NOVEMBER 2005: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN GEORGIA : CHRISTIANITY IN OUR LIFE: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

TESTIMONY OF THE CHURCH

SUMMARY

This is to present a testimony of the Church in the light of icon worship. We just intend to give a brief account on what is supposed to be relation between society and the Church, i.e. we shall be keeping within the bounds of the Orthodox - they are mainly Serbs - and their suffering in Kosovo and Metohija and in Montenegro in our country State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.

The essence of the icon and of its presence in this world is that it bears testimony of "sanctifying the matter", together with the fact be by its intercession we share in the ultimate ways enlighted by the Kingdom of God to come. Although we "are not of this world", we are summoned to dwell in this world not to witness "wide spread" and roaring religion but rather silent presence of "salt", its strength being quality. Direct human relationship with the world and society is most important for the Church that does not commit itself to any policy or economic program.

May we point out here that the Orthodox testimony in the inter - Christian dialogues aiming at addressing some general existential issues that torment the modern Christian is not exhausted on the level socially organized activities only, but it strives for unique dialogue of Truth and Love among all Christians. Being fully aware of the fact that the Orthodox themselves are unique in differences stand before that responsible task, we extend our appreciation and love to this distinctive gathering.

Let us resume the icon worship. As a print of theandric presence on this earth thru the Liturgy, the icon arouses our conciseness, alerts us to iconoclastic threat ness of our time manifesting itself in pentidious forms worldwide. The icon also unites us whole of the Orthodox community. We the Orthodox from Serbia and Montenegro Serbs in majority have been experiencing a peculiar iconoclasm, i.e. the terror of ethnic cleansing Kosovo and Metohija Orthodox Serbs. Devastated churches and monasteries reconstruction will be useless without return of people that need them. The remaining of expatriated people are ready to resume living there to share life with non Christians and non Serbs but they should be granted elementary rights to live on their own land, in their old houses, not to be disturbed or killed.

To continue we would now refer to the Montenegro authorities relations with the Orthodox Church there, and their so called protection of the cultural heritage, what they use to qualify the Church interference in political affairs. This has been constantly carried on since 1979 earthquake, when the spiritual revival in Church organization actually started to arise. This has culminated lately in unilateral reports to the international community that the Orthodox Serbs make an obstacle to Montenegro independence gaining. The Church is found guilty for its enthusiasm to reconstruct its churches by its own experts and its means, on the grounds that the reconstruction works has not been expertly carried out. They block and avoid every dialogue concerning restitution of Church estates.

We try to make efforts to intercede with all forums for dialogues, for civilization motives at least. To close we would like to point out that the Church does not avoid the world, although not of this world because it cannot deny its role in society, in addition, fighting against divisions and political and national self deception. In that light Church is far from every intolerance and pacific-neutral activities and national exclusivism. The Church in our country has presented its views with regard to Kosovo and Metohija problem solution expressed in the Church language, so that it has remained the conscience of its people and their leaders, under the protection and with prayers of its Patriarch.

BISHOP OF DEOCLEA JOVAN (PURIC)