The Holy Children, martyrs from the Jastrebarsko and Sisak camps, have finally been entered into the diptychs of saints by the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC). The SPC announced that July 13 is a day of prayerful commemoration for these innocent victims of genocide against the Serbian people in the Independent State of Croatia (NDH). The Jastrebarsko camp, established as a “refuge for refugee children,” was a place where children were gathered and raised in the spirit of the Ustaše, representing a horrific practice based on a criminal ideology. These children perished in one of the darkest chapters of our history, and their suffering and sacrifice have finally received church recognition. The SPC conveyed the text of Deacon Budimir Kokotović, published in the church calendar, reminding of the terrible conditions and fates of Serbian children in the NDH. This date, July 13, has become a symbol of prayer and remembrance for the innocent victims who lost their lives in camps like Jastrebarsko, where children were victims of genocidal policies. The observance of this day aims to remind us of the importance of memory and justice, as well as the dangers brought by hatred and intolerance. In a time when history is often questioned and rewritten, the SPC clearly states that such crimes must not be forgotten or diminished. This prayerful celebration is a call for unity and caution, so that similar tragedies never happen again. If you care about truth and justice, maybe it’s time to ask yourself how we remember the past and what we do to protect the future. What do you think about this SPC recognition and the significance of July 13? Share your thoughts — maybe your voice will spark an important conversation.
