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A 14th century Orthodox monastery resists as best it can the tensions between the Serbian and Albanian communities which are currently dividing Kosovo. The soldiers of NATO’s KFor are more numerous there than the monks.
In the heart of the Balkan mountains, we find the monastery of Visoki Dečani (Kosovo). This Orthodox Christian building, built in the 14th century, is a symbol of Serbia’s religious heritage in Kosovo. This masterpiece, now in danger, is closely watched by soldiers from KFor (NATO). They outnumber the monks who live there. In question, the renewed tension between the Serbian and Albanian communities in the region.
“A miracle that the monastery survived”
“We have known two wars in the Balkans, but also two world wars and communism. During these times, our Church suffered greatly. It is therefore a miracle that the monastery survived in such conditions.“, testifies Father Petar, an Orthodox monk. Kosovo has been independent from Serbia for 15 years, but many do not accept the situation, in particular the strong Serbian minority in the north of the country.