ATTACK ON HOLY SITE IS ATTACK ON FUNDAMENTAL VALUES OF PEACE

BELGRADE, APRIL 23 /SRNA/ – The Metropolitanate of Zagreb-Ljubljana states that an attack on the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Zagreb, or on any religious building, represents an attack on the fundamental values of peace, dignity, and coexistence among people.

The Metropolitanate expressed deep concern, sorrow, and distress over the attack on the Cathedral Church, which occurred on the day of prayerful remembrance of the Holocaust victims, and called on the competent authorities of Croatia to prosecute this case fairly and responsibly. In addition, a call was sent to the relevant Croatian authorities to do everything possible to ensure that hate speech in the public sphere is recognised, condemned, and prevented. "At the same time, the Metropolitanate of Zagreb-Ljubljana most strongly condemns any act of violence and intolerance not only toward Orthodox holy sites, but toward any religious building or community, because an attack on a holy site represents an attack on the fundamental values of peace, dignity, and coexistence among people," the statement reads. It recalls the church was built in 1866 according to the design of Croatian architect Franjo Klein, and has been damaged several times throughout its long history, but each time rebuilt through the faith and efforts of the people. The Church of the Holy Transfiguration is a protected cultural monument of Croatia and the cathedral church of the Metropolitanate, which, as stated, has survived wars, destruction, and persecution, remaining a witness that prayer is stronger than any violence. The Metropolitanate noted that in recent years the Cathedral has been undergoing thorough restoration following the devastating earthquake that struck Zagreb. "With gratitude to God and to all those participating, we bear witness that the church is returning to life - once again filled with believers as a place of peace and prayer among people of different names and backgrounds," the Metropolitanate of Zagreb-Ljubljana stated. For this very reason, they added, such an act of violence represents not only material damage but also wounds the hard-earned trust, reconciliation, and unity among people. "With pain, we note that such values, built over decades, can be endangered in a moment by misunderstanding and hatred," the statement adds. The Metropolitanate called on individuals and institutions to do everything to prevent such incidents from recurring and to preserve the spirit of mutual respect and peace. "This church has always been and will remain a place of prayer for peace - not only for Orthodox believers, but for all people of goodwill. Let this event not divide us, but remind us that peace is a fragile gift that we must safeguard together," the Metropolitanate of Zagreb-Ljubljana’s statement concludes. Vandals threw objects from nearby cafés last night at the doors of the Cathedral Church, its fence, and into the yard. The church is located at Cvjetni Square in Zagreb downtown.