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Violent reaction of the Serbian Church to the conviction of the Court of Ljubljana against Patriarch Porphyriostranslated

July 10, 2026 · 1 min read

The Holy Synod characterizes the verdict of the Regional Court of Ljubljana, by which the Patriarch of Serbia Mr. Porfirios and the Municipality of the Serbian Orthodox Church of Ljubljana were sentenced to a suspended prison sentence of 4 months to 1 year and a fine of ten thousand euros for one year. The decision brings this old case back to the fore, when Patriarch Porphyrios was still Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubljana. As the Holy Synod states in its announcement, "it is a series of absurd lawsuits filed against the Serbian Orthodox Church by the dismissed priest Zeliko Lubarda. The extremely bold and unworthy behavior of the appointed person, which began during the time of the blessed memory of Metropolitan John, continued while the Patriarch of Serbia, Mr. Porphyrios, ruled the Metropolitanate of Zagreb and Ljubljana. The Holy Synod of Bishops and the Holy Synod of Bishops have repeatedly examined the anti-church activities of this dismissed priest and have made several decisions on…

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ვახტანგ კაპანაძე

This decision is scandalous and completely groundless. How can Patriarch Porphyrios be given probation for 4 months to 1 year because of Zelko Lubarda, who was released a long time ago? It is a pity that they are trying to insult the dignity of the Church in this way.

Методи Костов

This decision from Ljubljana is pure nonsense. How can Patriarch Porfiry and the diocese condemn a certain long-dismissed priest, Zelko Lubarda, who has been judging the Church for years? Apparently, the goal is to hit her on her dignity, as the Synod wrote exactly. A shame.

Γιάννης Κωνσταντίνου

This decision from Ljubljana is indeed absurd. Condemn Patriarch Porphyrios and the parish for a pope they have persecuted for years, Zelikos Lumbarda, just to hurt the Church? As if the courts have nothing else to do.

Elena Florea

It's a shame that a priest fired for years, Zeliko Lubarda, is still dragging the Church through the courts. The decision in Ljubljana sounds exactly as the Synod says – baseless and clearly aimed at humiliating her. Let's pray for Patriarch Porphyry that this too will pass.

Spiro Kristo

This decision from Ljubljana seems quite strange to me. How can they sentence Patriarch Porfirio to parole for something that a priest who was dismissed a long time ago, Zeliko Lubarda, did? The Synod is right, it seems that they only intend to attack the dignity of the Church.

Георгий Петров

It’s a pity that this fired priest Zelko Lubarda has been dragging the Church through the courts for so many years. The decision from Ljubljana really looks like a nit-picking without any basis, just to hit Patriarch Porfiry and the entire diocese. I hope that in Serbia they will quickly sort this out and put an end to it.

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ნათია კვარაცხელია

This decision from the Ljubljana court is really unfounded. How can Patriarch Porphyrios be given probation for Zelko Lubarda, who was released a long time ago and is still suing? It is a pity that they are trying to insult the church in this way.

Maria Nako

Yes, Spiro, I find it totally weird too. How can they put the Patriarch on trial for the actions of a deposed priest who has been causing trouble for years? The Synod has looked at the matter several times, so I hope this does not stand.

Sarah Johnson

It's sad to see an ex-priest like Zeljko Lubarda still dragging the Church through courts years after he was let go. The Synod is right that this Ljubljana ruling looks like it's aimed at embarrassing Patriarch Porfirios and the diocese rather than serving real justice. Hope the appeal sorts it out quickly.

Sarah Moore

It's the same old story with this dismissed priest Zeljko Lubarda dragging the Church through courts for years. The Ljubljana ruling really does read like the Synod says — pointless and aimed at embarrassing Patriarch Porfirios and the whole diocese. Sad that Slovenian judges can't find better things to do.