Dodik says Serbian-Russian temple built in Banja Luka, cleric from Russia visits it

The nationalist president of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, has revealed that Russia and Serbia built a new temple in Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and said that the construction of this temple “Serbo-Russian is another proof of the success and cooperation engagement of Serbia and Russia”.

The clergyman of the Russian Church, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, also visited this facility.

“We are building the temple for future generations and it is a testimony of unity, perseverance and victory over all challenges.” “We are committed to the Serbian Orthodox Church because we love it, because it is our faith,” said Dodik, who said that the right to identity is being questioned in Russia.

“The visit of Metropolitan Antoni of Volokolam, with whom I also visited the site of the Serbian-Russian temple, is another important day for Serbia. We talked about all the issues that are important to us. On cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church. I had the opportunity to inform the Metropolitan about the current situation and the position of Republika Srpska, which is very complex. “The Republika Srpska, despite all the challenges imposed on it, insists on its commitment to the Serbian national identity, which is characterized above all by the Serbian Orthodox faith, the Serbian script and the Orthodox language,” said Dodik.

The Russian cleric also remained in Serbia, where he expressed his “heartfelt gratitude” to the Serbian Orthodox Church for its unwavering support in the church issue in Ukraine.

Russia is using a number of tools to influence the course of events in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the Orthodox Church is its strongest weapon in spreading its narratives in these states.

The Serbian Orthodox Church maintains close ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, which is closely linked to the Kremlin and has presented itself as a staunch supporter of Russia’s foreign policy, including its invasion of Ukraine.

The church has tacitly supported Milorad Dodik’s secessionist agenda in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Patriarch Porfirije openly participates in the banned Republika Srpska parade. /The Geopost/