Several dozen displaced Serbs from Uroševac and nearby Serbian villages attended the liturgy today at the Church of St. Emperor Uroš in Uroševac.
The Uroševac community gathered in their hometown church on the occasion of the city’s patron saint celebration, one of the rare occasions when Serbs from Uroševac can come together.
The service was led with hope and gratitude by former Uroševac parish priest, Father Živojin Kojić, joined by Father Miloš from Sirinić, Father Milan from Orahovac, and the current Uroševac priest, Father Trajko.
“I served in this church for twenty years, praying for our people in Kosovo and for the entire Orthodox world. I am especially happy to see so many of you today, and to witness so many children taking communion. It seems I have never had more children receive communion than today. This is a sign that our people are returning to God, that Uroševac residents are returning to their church and the city where they grew up. Many of you walked in this church’s yard as children, brought your children and grandchildren here, and sought refuge in the church even during demonstrations and difficult events. I was very pleased to hear that this year’s cake donors decided to take part in the patron saint tradition themselves, as it should be, because this is their church and the place where they grew up,” said Father Živojin after the liturgy.
Father Trajko, the current parish priest, added that although today marks the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, one of the most solemn Christian holidays, it is joyful to see the church filled with people, if only for this one day.
Unfortunately, on most other days, the church remains empty, attended only by the priest’s family, as no Serbs currently live in Uroševac except for Father Trajko and his family.
Many important Orthodox sites, especially from the Nemanjić era, have been desecrated and destroyed, putting the Serbian historical heritage in Nerodimlje at risk of disappearing.
Gatherings like this and visits to their hometown bring hope that Uroševac and its surrounding area will not be forgotten.
