The Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral told the RTCG Portal that accusations regarding non-transparent operations and separatism are baseless, affirming that they respect the laws of Montenegro and remain committed to the unity of the Serbian Orthodox Church. They also stated to the RTCG Portal that the accusations against priest Gojko Perović and other clergy members are unfounded and malicious.

The Metropolitanate informed the RTCG Portal that their primary mission is, as they put it, "the Gospel enlightenment of the people and the restoration of fraternal harmony," noting that the public often fails to understand the nature and structure of the Church, as well as its historical role in Montenegro.

They also point out that a segment of the public displays intolerance toward *Svetosavlje* (the teachings of Saint Sava) and the Serbian identity, while, on the other hand, there are those who—as they state—lack sufficient understanding of the fact that the Metropolitanate operates within the state of Montenegro and has historically played a part in preserving its statehood. Regarding financial operations, the Metropolitanate asserts that accusations of a lack of transparency are unfounded and should be evaluated based on the same criteria applied to other religious communities and institutions. "In our country, the financial operations of churches and religious communities are governed by law—and, it must be said, in a more restrictive manner and with fewer concessions than in many more democratically advanced nations. Nevertheless, despite these conditions, our Metropolitanate respects the established legal order while actively engaging in efforts and proposing measures to improve existing legislation and align it with the best practices of other free countries. One thing is certain: the Church does not operate in a way that causes any harm to the state or its citizens," the Metropolitanate emphasized.

The Metropolitanate also rejects accusations of separatism, noting that a key aspect of its mission is "safeguarding the Throne of Peć."

"Our entire clergy is imbued with this spirit—as has been the case throughout our history—and this represents the legacy of the Metropolitans of Cetinje across the centuries," the statement read. They point out that Montenegro is home to Orthodox Christians of diverse ethnic, national, and linguistic backgrounds, as well as members of other Christian churches and the Islamic faith, and that the Metropolis—as they state—must take this into account in its public activities.

**Accusations against Gojko Perović and other priests are malicious**

They specifically addressed the accusations leveled in recent days against priest Gojko Perović and other clergy members, describing them as "completely unfounded and malicious."

"It is baffling how certain media outlets and propaganda outlets can lack such a sense of shame, churning out vast amounts of falsehoods on a daily basis," they asked in their statement.

The Metropolis notes that some of these accusations are linked to the role played by the Church and the clergy during the political events of 2020, when the Church opposed the then-Law on Freedom of Religion and the government's policy regarding church property. "We believe that the clergy's participation in anti-regime advocacy was absolutely legitimate and legal, as was their role in motivating the faithful to organize politically and express—back in 2020—their resistance to the anti-democratic and God-opposing intentions of the regime at the time," the statement reads.

They add that following the 2020 elections, the new Government was elected by a decision of the Parliament and in accordance with constitutional procedure, rather than by the will of the Church, as is often claimed.

The Metropolis also assesses that some of the current accusations against the Church are based on a pattern similar to the one used in previous years.

"It appears that other political and propaganda circles have adopted the same approach used by the former Montenegrin authorities regarding their attitude toward the Church. The accusations now being fabricated in Serbia are clearly copied from the 'Udar' [Strike] affair—a scheme concocted in Podgorica’s political circles that was subsequently exposed in local courts. There is reason to fear that those fabricating these claims—should their current interests dictate it—might launch a campaign against the Church similar to the one we witnessed in 2019–2020." "However, the Church has the power, with God's help, to bear witness to the truth once again—both before God and before people," they stated.

Source: RTCG