Prompted by the devastating wildfires that in recent days have struck many areas of Central Serbia, Kosovo, and Metohija, as well as the wider Balkans, destroying dozens of homes, crops, and other property, the local Diocese expressed its profound sympathy to all the families affected by this tragedy. With sincere prayers, it asks the Lord to grant safety, comfort, and strength to those who lost their homes or were forced to abandon their dwellings.
Special mention is made of the anguish felt by the faithful in the Municipality of Zubin Potok and the village of Osojane in Metohija, where fires broke out just days ago, completely destroying four family homes, burning wheat that was ready for harvest, and endangering an entire community already living under harsh conditions. The villagers, together with nuns from the Holy Monastery of Gorioč, risked their lives to save neighboring houses from destruction. With courage and self-sacrifice, they carried fire extinguishers through smoke and flames, working tirelessly to stop the fire’s advance and prevent further damage to their community. Their example inspired a spirit of unity, responsibility, and hope in many.
Despite their superhuman efforts, the damage is immense. Families who had rebuilt their homes after the destruction of 1999 are once again left without shelter. Many elderly and vulnerable residents lost not only their homes but also personal heirlooms, family photographs, and memories that no restoration can bring back. With bitterness, some residents said their homes had now been destroyed for the second time within a single generation, reviving painful memories and traumas of displacement.
The Diocese issued an appeal to humanitarian organizations, charitable foundations, church communities, and all people of goodwill to contribute, according to their means, to collecting funds and essential supplies for the families who lost everything in the fires. There is a particular need among the residents of Osojane and other affected areas to rebuild their homes, restore electricity and basic infrastructure, and regain a sense of safety and dignity.
At the same time, it called upon the competent state authorities to take immediate and effective action to address the causes of these tragedies, including the dangerous and outdated electrical grids in repatriated communities, which, according to resident testimonies, directly contributed to the outbreak of the fires. Many utility poles are damaged, leaning, and held up only by cables, posing a constant threat to human life and property.
Finally, the Diocese praised the bravery of all volunteers, residents, and monastics who, through solidarity, compassion, and fearless action, bore witness to what it means to live as one body in Christ—where the pain of one is shared by all. Their testimony of love, sacrifice, and charity serves as an inspiration to all of us to support our fellow human beings in their time of need.
Source: eparhija-prizren.com