NATO and KFOR Commanders Meet Metropolitan Teodosije
The Metropolitan of Raska-Prizren received NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe and the KFOR commander at Gracanica Monastery, and the head of EULEX the same day.
Metropolitan Teodosije of Raska-Prizren received the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus G. Grinkevic, and KFOR commander Major General Roberto Vergoria, together with their aides, at Gracanica Monastery on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Archimandrite Sava, abbot of Visoki Decani Monastery, also attended. The Eparchy of Raska-Prizren reported on the visit.
What were the guests shown at Gracanica?
The guests first toured the monastery church, where the metropolitan told them about the history of Gracanica, an endowment of King Milutin that is more than seven centuries old, and about the value of its frescoes. The conversation then continued in the monastery’s residence.
What did they discuss?
According to the Eparchy’s statement, Teodosije described the life and spiritual mission of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and Metohija, and the challenges clergy, monks and believers face every day. The Eparchy says the metropolitan
“drew particular attention to the Serbian population’s concern for its own safety and future, as well as to the importance of respecting the rule of law, freedom of movement, religious freedoms and the protection of church property.”
The statement singles out one point above all: the assessment that KFOR’s presence and the consistent, impartial implementation of its mandate are essential to preserving peace and stability and to the safety of all communities. The Eparchy writes in the same statement:
“For the Serbian people, especially in sensitive and isolated areas, trust in the international peacekeeping forces is an important support in everyday life and in the effort to remain on their hearths.”
What does the statement say about Visoki Decani?
The Eparchy says it particularly values KFOR personnel’s long-standing commitment to the direct protection of Visoki Decani Monastery, which remains under their security cover. Explaining why this matters to it, the statement says:
“Preserving this protection, as well as regular communication with the Eparchy and the monastery brotherhood, is of exceptional importance for the safety of the shrine and the trust of the faithful.”
The Eparchy adds that it remains committed to open dialogue and cooperation with KFOR, in the belief that lasting peace is built by protecting every person and respecting the rights of all communities. The meeting, it says, took place in a cordial and open atmosphere.
Who else did Teodosije meet that day?
On the same day, October 29, the metropolitan also received the head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), Antero Lopes, at Gracanica. Teodosije briefed him on the position of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo and Metohija and on the challenges the Church and its people face in daily life. According to the Eparchy’s statement, they also discussed current developments, the importance of respecting rights, and the need to preserve peace and security for all people.
The Eparchy says that meeting too took place “in a spirit of mutual understanding and constructive dialogue,” with an exchange of views on issues important to the life of the Church and the people in Kosovo and Metohija.
The Eparchy’s statements do not say that any conclusion or agreement was reached at the meetings, only that positions were exchanged. The sources do not include a response from KFOR or EULEX to these claims.
