Metropolitan Joanikije’s New Land Grab: Geographic Fail or Political Provocation?
Metropolitan Joanikije Mićović of the Montenegrin Littoral is back in the spotlight, but not for spiritual reasons. During a service in Mojkovac on the feast of the laying of the robe of the Most Holy Theotokos, Joanikije made a jaw-dropping claim: the Montenegrin coast is actually Serbian territory. Yes, you read that right. This statement has ignited a firestorm of reactions and stirred up a political hornet’s nest in Montenegro.
Geographic Fail or Deliberate Provocation?
Joanikije claimed that in recent times, Montenegro had only one ancient church dedicated to this feast, located in “our Serbian littoral, Bijela.” This is not just a geographical blunder; it’s a political bombshell. The Montenegrin coast is part of Montenegro, not Serbia. So, is Joanikije clueless about geography, or is he deliberately trying to provoke tensions and claim land that isn’t his?
Historical Revisionism Wrapped in a Church Robe
This isn’t the first time Joanikije has used religious platforms to push political messages. His insistence on the “Serbian identity” of the Montenegrin coast and the “only ancient church” there is a clear attempt to rewrite history and territorial rights. In a country already divided by national and religious identities, such statements are like throwing gasoline on a fire.
Reactions and Fallout
The official website of the Montenegrin Littoral Metropolis published these statements, signaling that they are not a slip of the tongue but a deliberate message. In a nation grappling with questions of identity and sovereignty, such declarations only deepen divisions and conflicts.
What Does This Mean for Montenegro?
Is this just another attempt by the Serbian Orthodox Church to expand its influence and territorial claims? Or did Metropolitan Joanikije simply forget his geography lessons? Either way, his statement raises more questions than answers and highlights the deep religious and political tensions in Montenegro.
Conclusion
Metropolitan Joanikije’s claims about the “Serbian littoral” in Montenegro show either a shocking ignorance of geography or a willingness to use religious platforms for political games that could destabilize an already tense region. If this is the start of a new phase of territorial claims, Montenegro should be on high alert.
So, what do you think? Is Joanikije just confused, or is this a sneaky political move? Drop a comment and let’s untangle this geographic mess together!
