At the Srebrenica–Potočari Memorial Center, on July 11, 2025, the central commemoration marking the 30th anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in the “UN-protected zone” of Srebrenica was held. At the invitation of the organizers, His Beatitude Archbishop of Cetinje and Metropolitan of Montenegro, Mr. Mihailo, attended the event as he has in previous years, being the only Orthodox hierarch present.

Metropolitan Mihailo’s presence drew significant attention from the public and media. On that occasion, he delivered strong messages of reconciliation, dignity, and justice. In a statement to the gathered journalists, he declared:
“This is a second Mecca and Medina. I’ve been there, and I come here – that’s how it is with me. I will keep coming here for as long as this is commemorated and when there is a united Bosnia, which I believe I will live to see. There are those who come here only for political reasons – and you know who they are – and they should be told to go back. There are some like that in Montenegro too, and I know them. You know this, but we tolerate it a little. What is happening here today is small in comparison to what Srebrenica means for Europe and the world.”

Metropolitan Mihailo emphasized that the genocide in Srebrenica was “the greatest crime committed in Europe since World War II” and underlined that “in the genocide, Islam and the Bosniak people were the targets,” stating:
“Srebrenica is sacred. The deniers will meet their end.”

On this occasion, the Metropolitan appeared as a guest on the main news program of Face TV, broadcast during prime time. In this exclusive interview, he strongly condemned genocide denial, expressed solidarity with the Bosniak people, and called for interreligious dialogue, justice, and lasting peace.

The Montenegrin Orthodox Church expresses deep solidarity with the families of the victims and shares in the grief of all who lost loved ones. With his presence and words, Metropolitan Mihailo once again reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to truth, human dignity, and the building of peace among the peoples of the Balkans.

Cetinje, July 11, 2025

Office for Public Relations
Montenegrin Orthodox Church