Serbian Orthodox Church Synod: Verdict against Patriarch is scandalous

The Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) has denounced the Ljubljana District Court's verdict against Patriarch Porfirije and the Serbian Orthodox Church municipality in Ljubljana as "scandalous." The court imposed a four-month suspended prison sentence with a one-year probation period and a conditional fine of 10,000 euros on the Patriarch. The SPC's Synod asserts that neither the Patriarch nor his representative were properly notified of the proceedings and that the Patriarch was not invited to testify. According to N1, the SPC believes this verdict is the result of a political and media campaign targeting the church and its leader. The case is reportedly linked to former priest Željko Lubarda, who has filed multiple lawsuits against the SPC, alleging pressure to conceal alleged financial irregularities. The Synod emphasizes that the ruling infringes upon the church's canonical rights in appointing and reassigning clergy. They argue it conflicts with the SPC's legal status in Slovenia, religious freedom legislation, and the principles of the rule of law. The Synod has urged Patriarch Porfirije not to appeal the verdict, viewing the entire process as an attack on the reputation and standing of the Serbian Orthodox Church.