Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral has stated that the current situation in Kosovo-Metohija "is actually the continuation of the Nazi-Fascist occupation from the Second World War, and which is even more tragic, with longer-term consequences."

The church in Kosovo-Metohija is faced with many challenges, the first and foremost of which is Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence, Metropolitan Amfilohije said in an interview for the Belgrade-based daily Politika.

According to him, the consequences of this violent act are torn down temples, stolen church and national property, hundreds of Orthodox Serbs exiled from their centuries-old homes, no conditions for their return, increasing poverty and existential threats to the remaining Serbs and all of other Kosovo inhabitants.

Metropolitan Amfilohije reiterated that a new bishop has been appointed to the Diocese of Raska-Prizren, adding that the Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) was obliged to relieve of duty previous bishop Artemije in order to preserve the unity of the church.

He pointed out that the election and the enthronement of new SPC Patriarch Irinej is also a contribution to the SPC unity in both internal and external affairs.