As we approach the most joyous Christian holiday – Christmas, the Archdiocese of Kotor and the Coast is compelled to respond to the spreading of a false and unauthorised modified announcement concerning the lighting of the Badnjak (Yule log) in Kotor.

A visual is circulating on social media that represents a forgery of the official invitation from the Archdiocese to the faithful to attend the lighting of the Badnjak in front of the Church of Saint Peter of Cetinje the Wonderworker at 18:30. In this visual, false information has been added stating that “the Badnjak will be blessed by retired Bishop Mihailo”.

We emphasise that this is inaccurate and misleading information, given that Metropolitan Mihailo has not retired, nor has the Archdiocese given any authorisation for the alteration of its official visual materials.

The falsified visual is being disseminated to the public by Veljko Martinović from Spain, an associate of Bojan Bojović, without the knowledge or consent of the Archdiocese of Kotor and the Coast.

Our response is primarily directed towards the faithful, so that they are not misled regarding church order, the status of the hierarchy, and the event itself.

The Archdiocese of Kotor and the Coast reserves the right to take further steps in accordance with the law and canonical order to protect the truth, the reputation of the Church, and the faithful.

This is not the first time that Mr Martinović has engaged in deception. At one point, he requested and received our blessing for the construction of a village church, but since he took no action on the matter over an extended period of time, nor did he provide any explanation for such behaviour, the blessing was withdrawn. He himself has chosen to be remembered for spreading falsehoods, intrigues, and divisions, rather than being a ktitor and benefactor.

What is ultimately most important is that the Badnjak will be lit in Kotor on Christmas Eve at 18:30, when gifts will be distributed to the youngest, and that the Christmas Divine Liturgy begins the following day, on the Nativity of Christ, at 9:45.

Peace of God, Christ is Born! Indeed He is Born!

The Archdiocese of Kotor and the Coast