Ex-Kosovo's Foreign Minister
Visoki Decani Monastery and Father Sava Janjic: A Beacon of Peace in Kosovo
In the heart of Kosovo, the Visoki Decani Monastery stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Serbs. Built in the first half of the 14th century, this medieval monument is not only a cultural treasure but also a symbol of hope and reconciliation.
At the forefront of this reconciliation effort is Father Sava Janjic, a man who has dedicated his life to promoting peace and dialogue between Serbs and Albanians. His work has been instrumental in protecting cultural heritage and facilitating a peaceful resolution of conflicts in Kosovo.
Father Sava's contributions have not gone unnoticed. During his 2009 visit to Visoki Decani, then US Vice President Joseph Biden directly mentioned Father Sava's reconciliation work along with the Serbian Orthodox Church and local Kosovo communities. Biden praised the efforts towards peace and dialogue, highlighting the monastery as a symbol of unity in a divided region.
Throughout the Serbian-Albanian conflicts, the monastery has faced repeated attacks, leading to its protection by international KFOR troops since 1999. Despite the challenges, Father Sava opened its doors to those in need. He welcomed 50 Serbian refugees expelled from the surrounding villages by the Kosovo Liberation Army and 200 Albanian families hiding from Milosevic's police in 1999.
Father Sava's role in Kosovo's reconciliation and dialogue promotion continues to be significant. He has been a voice of reason, criticizing both Slobodan Milosevic and the Albanian leadership as being "firmly rooted in the 19th century." His efforts have earned him great respect from those who seek peace and dialogue, but he has also made enemies among Serbian and Albanian extremists.
The Visoki Decani Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most significant medieval Serbian monasteries. Its story of resilience and reconciliation serves as a unique example of humanity in the madness of war. Civilian Serbian organizations in Kosovo consider the help and protection that the Albanian refugees received at the monastery throughout 1999 as a testament to this spirit.
In a region where peace and understanding are still a work in progress, Father Sava Janjic and the Visoki Decani Monastery continue to shine as beacons of hope, reminding us of the power of dialogue and the importance of unity in diversity.
