Orthodox Bishop Metodije of Diokleia beaten by police in Montenegro.
December 30, 2019. His Grace Bishop Metodije of Diokleia, a canonical hierarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro, was beaten by police on December 26 while peacefully participating in a protest against the adoption of a new law that the Church warns will result in the government confiscating Church property.
Two faithful were also injured trying to protect His Grace. Despite his injuries, Bp. Metodije has called on the faithful to remain calm and peaceful.
“I feel better and I’ve returned to my duties,” the Serbian hierarch said. “I want to say that I don’t condemn the police. I understand their position and that they are under great pressure and have to do their work in such heavy conditions. I don’t want this incident to contribute to the aggravation of the already tense situation in Montenegro,” he emphasized, reports RIA-Novosti.
Bp. Metodije was treated in the Military Medical Academy of Belgrade.
Speaking with Radio Svetigor, His Grace explained that at some point during the protests, the police began to trample and drag people, and that it was a true miracle that no one was more seriously injured.
Visual testimony:
Sources:
https://orthochristian.com/126810.html