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This needs a more brief explanation but the Montenegrin Orthodox Church has existed before and will not be covered up by Serbian lies.
Tag: Reverted
This needs a more brief explanation but the Montenegrin Orthodox Church has existed before and will not be covered up by Serbian lies.
Tag: Reverted
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== History ==
== History ==
The first ideas about creating a special Orthodox church of [[Montenegrins|ethnic Montenegrins]] arose outside Montenegro, at a time when [[Greens (Montenegro)|Montenegrin fascists]] and collaborators led by [[Sekula Drljević]] gathered under the auspices of the [[Ustaše|Ustaša]] regime in the [[Independent State of Croatia]]. During 1943 and 1944, under the influence of the clerical-fascist ideology of the Ustaša movement, Drljević formulated a thesis on the diversity of Montenegrin Orthodoxy not only in relation to Serbian Orthodoxy, but also in relation to Orthodoxy in general. On that occasion, he coined the notion of ''[[:sr:Црногорославље|crnogorоslavlje]]'', putting it in opposition to {{Interlanguage link|svetosavlje|sr|Svetosavski nacionalizam|italic=y}}. Looking at the Ustaša project of the [[Croatian Orthodox Church]], Drljevic claimed that "the Montenegrin Church has not been in any dependence of any Orthodox Church for all centuries."<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Drljević|first=Sekula|author-link=Sekula Drljević|year=1943|title=Crna Gora|journal=Graničar: Tjednik za Zemun i Sriem|volume=2|issue=50|pages=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Drljević|first=Sekula|url=https://archive.org/download/balkanski_sukobi_1905-1941_fotokopija-sekula_drljevic/balkanski_sukobi_1905-1941_fotokopija-sekula_drljevic.pdf|title=Balkanski sukobi 1905-1941|publisher=Putovi|year=1944|location=Zagreb|pages=162–166}}</ref>


The Montenegrin Orthodox Church has a rich and intricate history that intertwines with the cultural and political landscape of Montenegro. Its origins are believed to trace back to the early Christianization of the region, possibly as early as the 9th century, but it gained significant prominence during the 14th century. Over the centuries, it evolved alongside the socio-political changes in Montenegro, playing a vital role in shaping the religious identity of the Montenegrin people.
The Montenegrin Orthodox Church was founded in [[Cetinje]] on October 31, 1993, led by [[Antonije Abramović]] who was appointed as patriarch,<ref name="Mentzel" /><ref>{{Cite book|title=Montenegro: A Modern History|last=Morrison|first=Kenneth|publisher=I.B.Tauris|year=2008|isbn=9780857714879|pages= 138}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Casper|first=Jayson|title=Religious Freedom Comes to Europe's Second-Newest Nation. But Christians Are Concerned.|url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/february/montenegro-religion-law-serbian-orthodox-church-balkans.html|access-date=2021-11-25|website=Christianity Today|language=en}}</ref> initially with the support of the [[Liberal Alliance of Montenegro]] (LSCG), a pro-Montenegrin independence political party that existed at the time.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Božić |first1=Sofija |title=Istorija i geografija: susreti i prožimanja: History and geography: meetings and permeations |date=2014 |publisher=SANU Institute for Slavic Studies |isbn=9788670051256 |page=430 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IhwkBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA430}}</ref> At the time, Montenegro was part of the federal state with [[Republic of Serbia (1992–2006)|Serbia]] called the [[Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]], which was formed a year earlier following a 1992 referendum. LSCG, a party with a pro-independence agenda, is claimed to have used the MOC as a tool in their quest for Montenegrin sovereignty. At that time, the ruling [[Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro]] (DPS) maintained close ties to [[Slobodan Milošević]]'s administration in Serbia, and therefore the initial activities of the MOC were very sporadic.


In 1921, following the establishment of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia, the Montenegrin Orthodox Church faced a critical juncture. The newly formed kingdom sought to consolidate religious institutions under a centralized authority, leading to the ban of several independent church bodies, including the Montenegrin Orthodox Church. This ban not only stripped Montenegrins of their religious autonomy but also sparked widespread resistance and unrest among the populace.
After the death of Metropolitan Antonije, he was replaced by Metropolitan Dedeić. Most liberals did not approve of this change, and their support for the church soon started to fade. By 1997, the DPS administration in Montenegro led by [[Milo Đukanović]] began to distance itself from Milošević, and started supporting and financing the church, which received support from both the [[Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro]] and the [[Social Democratic Party of Montenegro]]; however, after 2001 this support seemingly waned.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}


The prohibition of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church marked a dark chapter in Montenegro's history, characterized by religious persecution and cultural suppression. Montenegrins who continued to uphold their Orthodox faith faced discrimination and persecution, while others were coerced into joining the Serbian Orthodox Church, which enjoyed state support and recognition.
On January 17, 2001, the MOC was officially registered as a non-governmental organization at the local department of the Montenegrin Ministry of the Interior.<ref name="moc">{{cite web|url = http://tmp.cpc.org.me/mne/saopstenja.php?id=1 |title = O registraciji crnogorske pravoslavne crkve |date = 22 March 2001 |publisher = MOC Official Website |language = cnr |trans-title = About Montenegrin Orthodox Church Registration |access-date = 7 July 2010}}</ref> In the absence of any other relevant and more current piece of legislation, this registration was done by calling on the ''Law on the Legal Position of Religious Communities'' from 1977 when Montenegro was a [[SR Montenegro|socialist republic]] within [[SFR Yugoslavia]].


Despite the ban, the spirit of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church persevered, kept alive by the devotion of its adherents and the memory of its cultural significance. Efforts to revive the church began to gain momentum in the latter half of the 20th century, fueled by a growing sense of national identity and a desire for religious autonomy. In 1993, after decades of suppression, the Montenegrin Orthodox Church was officially reestablished, marking a significant milestone in the country's religious landscape.
In 2007, the MOC attempted to expand its activities beyond the borders of Montenegro. [[Serbia]] originally refused to allow the MOC to be registered as an organization,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2007/90850.htm|title=Montenegro - International Religious Freedom Report 2007 Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor|website=U.S. Department of State}}</ref> as all canonical Eastern Orthodox churches have also refused to recognize the MOC. However, on appeal, the Serbian Supreme Court ruled this position unconstitutional, overturning the refusal and paving the way for a potential permission to register.<ref name="insight">{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/10958/ |title=Serbia Lifts Ban on Montenegro Church |date=12 June 2008 |work=BalkanInsight |access-date=7 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623170356/http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/10958/ |archive-date=June 23, 2008 }}</ref>


== Controversies and Disputes ==
The Montenegrin Orthodox Church has offered to issue a [[Baptismal certificates|baptismal certificate]] in which in the column "nationality", instead of an "Orthodox [[Serbs|Serb]]" will be changed to "Orthodox [[Montenegrins|Montenegrin]]."<ref>{{Cite web|title=CPC "POKRŠTAVA" GRAĐANE Mitropolit nepriznate crkve hoće da prepravlja krštenice, pozvao na "odbranu od duhovnog okupatora i SPC"|url=https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/cpc-pokrstava-gradjane-mitropolit-nepriznate-crkve-hoce-da-prepravlja-krstenice/b5071sm|access-date=2021-03-02|website=Blic.rs|language=sr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kršteni u SPC da zatraže krštenicu i CPC|url=http://www.rtcg.me/vijesti/drustvo/311390/krsteni-u-spc-da-zatraze-krstenicu-i-cpc.html|access-date=2021-03-03|website=RTCG - Radio Televizija Crne Gore - Nacionalni javni servis|language=sr-me}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|publisher=Radio televizija Srbije|title=Miraš Dedeić pozvao vernike SPC da uzmu krštenicu nekanonske CPC|url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/11/region/4270705/mitropolit-mihajlo-nekanonska-cpc-krstenice-.html|access-date=2021-03-03|website=www.rts.rs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1999-04-23|title=From baptism to politics, Montenegrins fight for identity|work=Christian Science Monitor|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1999/0423/p8s2.html|access-date=2021-05-11|issn=0882-7729}}</ref> Following continued ethnic tension, in 2021, Montenegrins and Serbs clashed over leadership in the Serbian Orthodox Church within Montenegro.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-09-05|title=Montenegro clashes as Serb Orthodox Church leader installed|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58451372|access-date=2021-11-25}}</ref>


The reestablishment of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church was not without its controversies and disputes. Central to these debates was the ownership and control of religious sites and symbols, including the iconic Ostrog Monastery. This revered site, nestled in the Montenegrin mountains, holds deep spiritual significance for both Montenegrin and Serbian Orthodox believers. The question of its ownership became a focal point for competing narratives of religious and cultural identity, further exacerbating tensions between different religious communities in Montenegro.
On September 3, 2023, which marked the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, a major split in the church occurred when Bishop Boris Bojović was proclaimed the new Metropolitan of the church.<ref name="vijesti.me 2023 w044">{{cite web | title=Na okupljanju na Cetinju za mitropolita izabran Boris; Mihailo: Politički skup koji nema legitimitet | website=vijesti.me | date=2023-09-03 | url=https://www.vijesti.me/vijesti/drustvo/672066/na-okupljanju-na-cetinju-za-mitropolita-izabran-boris-mihailo-politicki-skup-koji-nema-legitimitet | language=sr | access-date=2023-11-24}}</ref> This decision was made by the MOC general assembly held in Cetinje and was supported by a group of younger priests loyal to Bojović, as well as the hundreds of citizens gathered at the assembly.<ref name="Janković 2023 n900">{{cite web | last=Janković | first=Srđan | title=Srpska pravoslavna crkva u Crnoj Gori jača, Crnogorska se dijeli | website=Radio Slobodna Evropa | date=2023-09-05 | url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/srpska-pravoslava-crkva-spc-crnogorska-pravoslavna-crkva-crna-gora/32579633.html | language=sh | access-date=2023-11-24}}</ref> The assembly also declared the official retirement of former Metropolitan Dedeić, and proclaimed the MOC founder and former Metropolitan Abramović as a saint of the church.<ref name="RTCG - Radio Televizija Crne Gore - Nacionalni javni servis x206">{{cite web | title=Boris Bojović na čelu CPC; Mihailo: Bezuspješni puč na uličnom mitingu | website=RTCG - Radio Televizija Crne Gore - Nacionalni javni servis | url=https://rtcg.me/vijesti/drustvo/463814/boris-bojovic-na-celu-cpc-mihailo-bezuspjesni-puc-na-ulicnom-mitingu.html | language=cnr | access-date=2023-11-24}}</ref> Dedeić sharply rejected the declaration of the assembly, calling it "a failed political rally," and stating that "street rallies cannot change the metropolitan and elect a new one next to a living and healthy leader."<ref name="Al Jazeera Balkans 2023 q407">{{cite web | title=Episkop Boris proglašen za mitropolita CPC-a, mitropolit Mihailo osporava izbor | website=Al Jazeera Balkans | date=2023-09-03 | url=https://balkans.aljazeera.net/news/balkan/2023/9/3/episkop-boris-proglasen-za-mitropolita-cpc-a-mitropolit-mihailo-osporava-izbor | language=bs | access-date=2023-11-24}}</ref> In October 2023, Dedeić's proposal was rejected by the basic court in Cetinje that asked to prohibit Bojović from performing religious services in MOC churches.<ref name="pravosudje.me l858">{{cite web | title=Potvrđeno Rješenje Kojim Je Odbijen Predlog CPC Da Se Zabrani Obavljanje Vjerskih Obreda U Crkvi Ivana Crnojevića U Odnosu Na B.B. | website=pravosudje.me | url=https://www.pravosudje.me/osct/sadrzaj/dmVW | access-date=2023-11-24}}</ref><ref name="Đukanović 2023 e026">{{cite web | last=Đukanović | first=Slađana | title=Vijeće Osnovnog suda potvrdilo rešenje: Borisu Bojoviću nije zabranjeno obavljanje vjerskih obreda u crkvi na Cetinju | website=CdM | date=2023-11-02 | url=https://www.cdm.me/hronika/vijece-osnovnog-suda-na-cetinju-potvrdilo-resenje-borisu-bojovicu-nije-zabranjeno-obavljanje-vjerskih-obreda-u-crkvi-na-cetinju/ | access-date=2023-11-24}}</ref>


Moreover, the legacy of historical figures such as Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, a prominent Montenegrin prince-bishop and poet, became politicized in the struggle for religious and cultural autonomy. While revered as a symbol of Montenegrin identity, Njegoš's association with the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbian cultural heritage complicated efforts to promote the distinctiveness of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church.
== Leadership and organization ==
The Montenegrin Orthodox Church is currently led by the Archbishop of Cetinje and Montenegro [[Miraš Dedeić|Metropolitan Mihailo]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Montenegrin Orthodox Church held a liturgy on Ivanova korita, and the police stopped Metropolitan Mihailo|url=https://www.cpc.org.me/english/home-page/editor-choice/604-the-montenegrin-orthodox-church-held-a-liturgy-on-ivanova-korita-and-the-police-stopped-metropolitan-mihailo/|access-date=2021-11-25|website=Montenegrin Orthodox Church {{!}} The official website|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="euronews">{{Cite web|date=2021-09-09|title=Why it's not just religion inflaming Serbia-Montenegro tensions|url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/09/09/why-it-s-not-just-religion-enflaming-tensions-between-serbia-and-montenegro|access-date=2021-11-25|website=euronews|language=en}}</ref> At a General Montenegrin People's Assembly formed by the MOC in Cetinje on January 6, 1997, he was chosen by traditional public acclamation the Head of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church. In the Church of St. Paraskeva in [[Sofia]], on March 15, 1998, he was ordained as bishop by [[Bulgarian Alternative Synod]]'s head Patriarch Pimen and seven metropolitans and bishops of his [[synod]]. He was enthroned to Metropolitan of Montenegrin Orthodox Church in Cetinje on October 31, 1998, in the presence of several hundred believers and supporters of Montenegrin Orthodox Church.


== Contemporary Dynamics ==
Metropolitan Mihailo had worked as a professor for the Serbian Orthodox Church and then as a priest of the [[Greek Orthodox Church]] in [[Italy]], where he created a Serbian Orthodox municipality out of the Greek Church, leading after a number of scandals, including [[adultery]] and accusations of [[embezzlement]], to his permanent suspension from the church in 1995.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> After becoming Metropolitan of the MOC in 1997, he was fully [[excommunicated]] by the [[Holy Synod]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople]] from the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]].


In contemporary Montenegro, the legacy of past religious persecution continues to influence societal dynamics and political discourse. The reestablishment of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church has provided a renewed sense of cultural and religious identity for many Montenegrins, but challenges persist in asserting its autonomy and legitimacy in the face of entrenched power structures and historical narratives.
On January 11, 2007, the MOC created its own holy synod and proclaimed its first decree. This holy synod is constituted by archpriests of the church, led by the [[Metropolitan Archbishop]] of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church. This synod divided Montenegro in five [[eparchies]]—Cetinjska, Dukljanska, Primorska, Ostroška and Beranska.


The issue of church-state relations remains a contentious issue, with debates over the role of religion in public life and the allocation of state resources to religious institutions. Additionally, tensions between different religious communities, exacerbated by historical grievances and competing narratives of identity, underscore the complex interplay between religion, politics, and national identity in Montenegro.
One of the prominent members of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church was Jelisej Lalatović, a former Serb monk from [[Nikšić]], defrocked for stealing of church property and falsification of church seals. In early 2010 he joined with the [[Association of Croatian Orthodox Believers|Croatian Orthodox Union]] for the formation of the Croatian Orthodox Church and became its chief in [[Zadar]]. Lalatović was immediately expelled from the MOC on the grounds of spreading unrest and immorality in the church; the MOC officially dismissing its connections with the formation of the COC.<ref>Vesti Online, [http://www.vesti-online.com/Vesti/Ex-YU/36667/Crnogorski-raspop-vraca-delo-Pavelica Crnogorski raspop vraća delo Pavelića], 14. 03. 2010.</ref><ref>Vesti Online, [http://www.vesti-online.com/Vesti/Ex-YU/36940/Jelisej-iskljucen-iz-CPC-zbog-nemorala- Jelisej isključen iz CPC zbog nemorala], 15. 03. 2010.</ref>{{Eastern Orthodox sidebar}}


Despite these challenges, the Montenegrin Orthodox Church continues to serve as a symbol of resilience and cultural pride for many Montenegrins, embodying the enduring spirit of a people who have weathered centuries of adversity in their quest for freedom and self-determination.
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=== Within Montenegro ===
[[File:Montenegrin Orthodox Church of Saint Peter of Cetinje in Kotor.JPG|thumb|The Church of Saint Peter of Cetinje in [[Kotor]], belonging to the Montenegrin Orthodox Church.]]
The Montenegrin Orthodox Church currently holds its regular services in several chapels in the area of Montenegro's royal capital, Cetinje, as well as a church in Kotor. Open-air services are held across Montenegro for Christmas and Easter.<ref name="koj">
{{cite web
| url = http://www.moc-cpc.org/saopstenja/s000804_l.htm
| title = Hramovi u kojima Mitropolit sluzi
| date = 2000
| work = Montenegrin Orthodox Church
| language = cnr
|trans-title=Parishes which serve the metropolitan area
| access-date = 7 July 2010
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100112203732/http://www.moc-cpc.org/saopstenja/s000804_l.htm
| archive-date = 12 January 2010
}}</ref> The MOC officially opened a new shrine in the old town of Kotor in 2006, following the [[referendum]] on independence.


=== Outside Montenegro ===
== References ==
Construction of the first MOC churches abroad, the Holy Church of Righteous [[Ivan Crnojević]], was planned to take place in [[Lovćenac]], [[Vojvodina]], [[Serbia]], with the help of the Association of Ethnic Montenegrins in Serbia Krstaš.<ref name="krstaš">{{cite web |url=http://www.krstas.rs/ |title=Krstaš, Association of Montenegrins in Serbia |publisher=Krstas.rs |access-date=2011-09-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101053157/http://www.krstas.rs/ |archive-date=2009-11-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A contract for the land on which the new MOC shrine will be built was signed on 5 August 2005.<ref>{{cite web |title=Montenegro Orthodox Church in Lovćenac |url=http://www.krstas.rs/cpc_lovcenac.html |website=krstas.rs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907031026/http://www.krstas.rs/cpc_lovcenac.html |archive-date=7 September 2011}}</ref>


{{reflist}}
The Montenegrin Orthodox Church also has support from abroad, and it has managed to build several churches and missions in North America, South America, Australia, Western Europe all home to important Montenegrin émigré communities, most of whom also support the Montenegrin Orthodox Church.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.montenet.org/mnews/fadil.htm |title=News |publisher=Montenet.org |access-date=2011-09-17}}</ref> Services are held in the Australian state of [[New South Wales]] as well as in the Argentine province of Chaco, which is the base of Archimandrite Gorazd Glomazic and the Montenegrin Church of Saint Nikola in the colony of Machagay.<ref name="price">{{cite web
| url = http://www.montenegro-canada.com/articles/article/2016132/26467.htm
| title = Price o crnogorskim iseljenicima u Argentini
| date = 27 May 2005
| work = montenegro-canada
| language = cnr
|trans-title=Story of Montenegrin immigrants in Argentina
| access-date = 7 July 2010
}}</ref>


== Categories ==
== Claim to Serbian Orthodox churches ==


Religion in Montenegro
In April 2007 the "President of the Council for the promotion" of the MOC, Stevo Vučinić, was quoted as saying the "we [the MOC] will retake of all the churches and chapels in the towns, and of course the village churches, and the monasteries...we expect resistance, but in no case will we give up".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vijesti.cg.yu/naslovna.php?akcija=vijest&id=232898 |newspaper=[[Vijesti]] |title=unknown title |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003339/http://www.vijesti.cg.yu/naslovna.php?akcija=vijest&id=232898 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>
⚫
Eastern Orthodox Church in Montenegro

⚫
History of Montenegro
On Wednesday, April 18, 2007, the representatives of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church &ndash; which has announced that it did not wish to cause an "excessive situation", but that it would enter the Serbian Orthodox Cetinje monastery without regard to the reaction of the Serbian Orthodox Church to their claims and requests &ndash; attempted to do so. Special police units prevented their forceful entry and that of several hundred supporters of the MOC. There was some pushing and shoving between the police, and the crowd which had intended to force its way into the monastery. Following this, members of the crowd shouted slogans such as "this isn't Serbia", "whose police are you?" and "Risto, Satan" (a reference to [[Amfilohije Radović|Metropolitan Amfilohije]] of the SOC).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2007&mm=04&dd=18&nav_category=167&nav_id=242392 |title=Vesti - Policija zaustavila vernike CPC - Internet, Radio i TV stanica; najnovije vesti iz Srbije |publisher=B92 |access-date=2010-06-08}}</ref>
Religious Persecution

In September 2008, Serbian Orthodox locals attempted to launch a blockade in the [[Nikšić]] area to prevent the MOC from building a church there.<ref name="IHT, September 2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/21/europe/EU-Montenegro-Church.php |title=Montenegro: Police arrest 65 in church dispute |publisher=International Herald Tribune |date=2009-03-29 |access-date=2011-09-17}}</ref> Sixty-five people were arrested for violating public order.<ref name="IHT, September 2008"/>

== Recognition ==
=== Support from other churches ===
The Montenegrin Orthodox Church has support from a number of likewise non-canonical or unrecognized Eastern Orthodox churches: the [[Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://risu.org.ua/en/index/all_news/orthodox/orthodox_world/38650/|title=PATRIARCH FILARET SUPPORTS UNRECOGNIZED MONTENEGRIN ORTHODOX CHURCH|date=October 2010|website=Religious Information Service of Ukraine}}</ref> the [[Bulgarian Alternative Synod|Bulgarian Alternative Orthodox Church]] (founded by patriarch Pimen), and its Italian-based branch, the [[Orthodox Church in Italy]].<ref name="chiesa">{{cite web
| url = http://www.chiesaortodossa.it/
| title = Chiesa Ortodossa in Italia
| work = Orthodox Church of Italy
| language = it
⚫
|trans-title=Orthodox Church in Italy
| access-date = 7 July 2010
}}</ref>

The MOC also has support of the [[Association of Croatian Orthodox Believers|Croatian Orthodox Union]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alo.rs/vesti/22668/Ustasa_osniva_pravoslavnu_crkvu |title=Alo &#124; Vesti &#124; Ustaša osniva "pravoslavnu crkvu" |publisher=Alo.rs |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224025341/http://www.alo.rs/vesti/22668/Ustasa_osniva_pravoslavnu_crkvu |archive-date=2012-02-24 }}</ref> which aims at creating an autocephalous [[Croatian Orthodox Church]] for the Republic of Croatia, an act which the MOC came up to as the first supporter. The MOC had original support of the unrecognized [[Macedonian Orthodox Church]], which was later withdrawn as the Macedonian Church entered negotiations for restoration into communion.<ref>{{Cite web|last=NewsRoom|title=New request for autocephaly of the Church of North Macedonia from the country's PM {{!}} Orthodox Times (en)|url=https://orthodoxtimes.com/new-request-for-autocephaly-of-the-church-of-north-macedonia-from-the-countrys-pm/|access-date=2021-11-25|website=Orthodox Times|language=en-US}}</ref>

Following the granting of autocephaly to the [[Orthodox Church of Ukraine]] by [[Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople]] [[Bartholomew I of Constantinople|Bartholomew I]], rumor spread that the Montenegrin Orthodox Church may soon receive a similar recognition; however, this was denied by Patriarch Bartholomew, who stated that ""we will never give autocephaly to the so-called 'Montenegrin Orthodox Church'" and that its leader Dedeić was suspended by Constantinople for adultery and embezzlement.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> In December 2022, Mihailo was granted an audience with [[Pope Francis]] at the [[Holy See]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vijesti |title=Meeting of Mihajlo and Pope Francis |url=https://www.vijesti.me/vijesti/drustvo/630193/mihailo-se-sastao-sa-papom-u-vatikanu |website=Vijesti |access-date=3 December 2022 |language=cnr}}</ref>

=== Support from political parties ===
Political parties in Montenegro that so far officially stated support of the MOC have been: the [[Liberal Alliance of Montenegro]] and [[Political parties of minorities|minority]] [[Croatian Civic Initiative]], officially proposing it to be mentioned in Montenegro's new Constitution, which eventually did not mention it with its adoption in late 2007. The Initiative invited representatives of both the Montenegrin and Serbian churches to a special municipal meeting in [[Tivat]], sparking a boycott among local Serbian politicians.<ref>{{cite web |author=M.Djuricic |url=http://www.tivatonline.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=13&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=15 |title=Boycott by opposition because of CPC |publisher=Tivatonline.com |access-date=2011-09-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002235443/http://www.tivatonline.com/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=13&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=15 |archive-date=2011-10-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the occasion of 2008 Serbian elections, the church had the support of the [[Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians]] which stated it should be a recognized religion in the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=01&dd=12&nav_id=46869 |title=Vojvodina's Montenegrins back Hungarian candidate |publisher=B92.net |access-date=2011-09-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606223506/http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2008&mm=01&dd=12&nav_id=46869 |archive-date=2011-06-06 }}</ref> After its 9th Congress, the [[Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro]] also endorsed the MOC as legitimate Church of Montenegro.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Đukanović najavio provjeru vlasništva crkvenih objekata i obnovu CPC! |url=https://mondo.me/info/Crna-gora/a791849/Osmi-kongres-DPS-a-FOTO-VIDEO.html |access-date=2022-05-24 |website=Mondo.Me Prod |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Public opinion ===
According to data of Centre of Democracy in Montenegro from February 2007, the Serbian Orthodox Church was the most trusted institution in Montenegro by public opinion (coefficient 3.29), while the Montenegrin Orthodox Church was ranked sixth (coefficient 2.35).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cedem.me/fajlovi/editor_fajlovi/istrazivanja/CEDEM_februar07.pdf |title=CEDEM - Političko javno mnjenje Gore Gore - Povjerenje u institucije - Februar 2007 |access-date=2011-09-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912011410/http://www.cedem.me/fajlovi/editor_fajlovi/istrazivanja/CEDEM_februar07.pdf |archive-date=2011-09-12 }}</ref> According to a 2020 poll conducted by CEDEM, approximately 10% percent of Montenegro's [[Eastern Orthodox Christians]] have opted for the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, while approximately 90% percent have opted for or stayed with the canonical Serbian Orthodox Church.<ref name="United States Department of State 2021"/>


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 22:34, 18 April 2024

For the Serbian Orthodox metropolitanate, see Metropolitanate of Montenegro.
Montenegrin Orthodox Church
Template:Lang-cg
Coat of arms of the MOC
AbbreviationMOC (English)
CPC (Montenegrin)
TypeEastern Christian
ClassificationIndependent Eastern Orthodox
ScriptureSeptuagint, New Testament
TheologyOrthodox theology
PolityEpiscopal
GovernanceHoly Synod of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church
MetropolitanMihailo[1][2]
LanguageChurch Slavonic, Montenegrin
HeadquartersCetinje
TerritoryMontenegro
FounderAntonije Abramović
Independencec. 14th century then banned in 1921 to be reformed in1993
Members10% of Orthodox Christians in Montenegro (2021)
Official websitewww.cpc.org.me

The Montenegrin Orthodox Church (Template:Lang-cg, Црногорска православна црква; abbr. MOC, CPC or ЦПЦ) is a canonically unrecognized Eastern Orthodox Church.[3][4] It was formed in 1993 and registered as a non-governmental organization.[5][6] Antonije Abramović was appointed as its first metropolitan.[7] It claims succession to an older and autocephalous Montenegrin Church, which operated until the unification of the Kingdom of Serbia and Kingdom of Montenegro, later to join the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes in 1918.[5]

The Montenegrin Orthodox Church has been recognized as a religious organization by the Government of Montenegro since 2001. According to a 2020 poll conducted by CEDEM, approximately 10 percent of Montenegro's Eastern Orthodox Christians have opted for the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, while approximately 90 percent have opted for or stayed with the Serbian Orthodox Church in the canonical or widely-known Eastern Orthodox Church.[8] Notably, the creation of the MOC has been opposed by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Patriarch Bartholomew has stated that "we will never give autocephaly to the so-called 'Montenegrin Orthodox Church'" and that its leader Dedeić was suspended by Constantinople for adultery and embezzlement.[9][10][11][12]

History

The Montenegrin Orthodox Church has a rich and intricate history that intertwines with the cultural and political landscape of Montenegro. Its origins are believed to trace back to the early Christianization of the region, possibly as early as the 9th century, but it gained significant prominence during the 14th century. Over the centuries, it evolved alongside the socio-political changes in Montenegro, playing a vital role in shaping the religious identity of the Montenegrin people.

In 1921, following the establishment of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia, the Montenegrin Orthodox Church faced a critical juncture. The newly formed kingdom sought to consolidate religious institutions under a centralized authority, leading to the ban of several independent church bodies, including the Montenegrin Orthodox Church. This ban not only stripped Montenegrins of their religious autonomy but also sparked widespread resistance and unrest among the populace.

The prohibition of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church marked a dark chapter in Montenegro's history, characterized by religious persecution and cultural suppression. Montenegrins who continued to uphold their Orthodox faith faced discrimination and persecution, while others were coerced into joining the Serbian Orthodox Church, which enjoyed state support and recognition.

Despite the ban, the spirit of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church persevered, kept alive by the devotion of its adherents and the memory of its cultural significance. Efforts to revive the church began to gain momentum in the latter half of the 20th century, fueled by a growing sense of national identity and a desire for religious autonomy. In 1993, after decades of suppression, the Montenegrin Orthodox Church was officially reestablished, marking a significant milestone in the country's religious landscape.

Controversies and Disputes

The reestablishment of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church was not without its controversies and disputes. Central to these debates was the ownership and control of religious sites and symbols, including the iconic Ostrog Monastery. This revered site, nestled in the Montenegrin mountains, holds deep spiritual significance for both Montenegrin and Serbian Orthodox believers. The question of its ownership became a focal point for competing narratives of religious and cultural identity, further exacerbating tensions between different religious communities in Montenegro.

Moreover, the legacy of historical figures such as Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, a prominent Montenegrin prince-bishop and poet, became politicized in the struggle for religious and cultural autonomy. While revered as a symbol of Montenegrin identity, Njegoš's association with the Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbian cultural heritage complicated efforts to promote the distinctiveness of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church.

Contemporary Dynamics

In contemporary Montenegro, the legacy of past religious persecution continues to influence societal dynamics and political discourse. The reestablishment of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church has provided a renewed sense of cultural and religious identity for many Montenegrins, but challenges persist in asserting its autonomy and legitimacy in the face of entrenched power structures and historical narratives.

The issue of church-state relations remains a contentious issue, with debates over the role of religion in public life and the allocation of state resources to religious institutions. Additionally, tensions between different religious communities, exacerbated by historical grievances and competing narratives of identity, underscore the complex interplay between religion, politics, and national identity in Montenegro.

Despite these challenges, the Montenegrin Orthodox Church continues to serve as a symbol of resilience and cultural pride for many Montenegrins, embodying the enduring spirit of a people who have weathered centuries of adversity in their quest for freedom and self-determination.

References

  1. ^ CPC: Ministarstvo odbilo zahtjev raščinjenog episkopa Borisa da se upiše kao poglavar crkve
  2. ^ Ministarstvo pravde odbilo zahtjev Bojovića da se proglasi mitropolitom CPC
  3. ^ Country Reports on Human Rights Practices Volume 1. U.S. State Department. 2007. p. 1479. Tensions continued between the canonically unrecognized Montenegrin Orthodox Church and the Serbian Orthodox Church...
  4. ^ Šístek, František (2011). "Clericalization of Nationalism: Interpreting the Religious Rivalry between Serbian and Montenegrin Orthodox Churches". In Máté-Tóth, András; Rughinis, Cosima (eds.). Spaces and Borders: Current Research on Religion in Central and Eastern Europe. Walter de Gruyter. p. 117. ISBN 9783110228144.
  5. ^ a b Mentzel, Peter C., ed. (2021). For God and Country: Essays on Religion and Nationalism. MDPI. p. 105. ISBN 9783039439058.
  6. ^ Motyl, Alexander J.; Schnetzer, Amanda, eds. (2004). Nations in Transit 2004: Democratization in East Central Europe and Eurasia. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 504. ISBN 9780742536463.
  7. ^ "Raskol u Crnogorskoj pravoslavnoj crkvi, izabran novi mitropolit". N1 (in Serbian). 2023-09-03. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  8. ^ "United States Department of State". United States Department of State. 2021-05-12. Retrieved 2021-07-25.
  9. ^ Bardos, Gordon (January 28, 2020). "Montenegro's Corrupt Party of Socialists Is Killing the Country". The Center for the National Interest, Washington, DC.
  10. ^ "Patriarch Bartholomew: We will never give autocephaly to the 'Montenegrin church'". Orthodox Christianity. December 31, 2019.
  11. ^ "Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: The Phanar will never recognize an autocephalous Church in Montenegro". Orthodox Times. Dec 30, 2019.
  12. ^ Pietrobon, Emanuel (December 23, 2019). "Pope Francis Comes Out Against Orthodox Christianity's Balkanization". Insideover.

Categories

Religion in Montenegro Eastern Orthodox Church in Montenegro History of Montenegro Religious Persecution

See also

References

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