Europe News

Serbian bishops won't allow ailing patriarch to step down (Roundup)

Nov 11, 2008, 18:45 GMT

Belgrade - Ailing Patriarch Pavle is to remain the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) as long as he lives, despite his plea to be relieved, the Beta news agency reported Tuesday. Serbian bishops made the decision in a marathon debate at their conference, the Sabor, holding its regular autumn session. The marathon debate continued into the late evening without a statement announcing a decision. The oldest and most influential among the 46 SPC bishops, Amfilohije, would assume a part of the patriarch's duties until the next scheduled meeting of the Sabor in May, the Beta report said. The patriarch, who turned 94 in September, is stable but too frail to leave his hospital room. He was admitted to the Belgrade military hospital a year ago and recently requested that he be relieved of his duties. The SPC statute, however, states that the patriarch is elected to the throne for life, though exceptions are allowed. Pavle took over in 1990, on the eve of the violent disintegration of the former Yugoslavia. Under his reign, the SPC rose from the margins, where it had been during decades of the Socialism, to become one of the most influential factors in Serbian politics. While locally described as a 'walking saint,' Pavle has faced criticism over the SPC's sometimes inflammatory role in Yugoslav conflicts, and its refusal to distance itself from atrocities committed during the wars.

And Also

Lady Gaga's New Outfit: Police Tape?!

Lady Gaga's New Outfit: Police Tape?! - PopEater
Dr. Conrad Murray Withheld Info About Propofol - TMZ
'Heat Is On' as 'Top Chef Masters' Returns for Season 2 - PopEater
Star Jones undergoes cardiac surgery - Monsters and Critics
MTV Tells 'Jersey Shore' Cast to Pack Their Crap - TMZ

Your Talkback on this Story

Similar articles

Report: Serbian church puts pressure on controversial Kosovo bishop
Serbian church enthrones Patriarch Irinej
Serbian officials welcome new patriarch Irinej (Extra)
PROFILE: Serbia's new patriarch Irinej, a traditionalist and diplomat
PREVIEW: Serbian church divided over next patriarch and its future

Latest Headlines in Europe

Older Talkback

Europe: Index

: News; Features; Video News

Latest Pics

Aaron Paul

Toni Braxton

Bryan Cranston

Kaley Cuoco

In Monsters and Critics

: Arts; Books; DVD; Gaming; Lifestyle; Movies; Music; News; People; Science & Nature; Sport; TV; Archives
Other Languages and Sites: Deutschland (Monsters and Critics); The Tech Herald; Free Games

Entertainment: Arts; Books; DVD; Gaming; Movies; Music; People; Soundtracks; TV
Media: Celebrity Photos; Movie Pictures; Movie Trailers; Movie Posters; Theatre Stills; Celebrity Video; Music Video
Released this week: Movies - USA; Movies - UK; DVD - USA
Distractions: Online Games; Daily Crossword; Sudoku Classic; Daily Jigsaw

World News: US; UK; Americas; Europe; Middle East; Asia Pacific; South Asia; Africa; Business; Education; Health
Science and Tech: Science and Nature; Technology
Lifestyle: Autos; Fashion; Life; Travel

Corporate

: About; Advertise; Contact; The Team; Vacancies; Privacy; RSS; Site Map; Terms; Webmasters

The Fine Print

© 2003 - 2010 by Monsters and Critics.com, WotR Ltd. All Rights Reserved. All photos are copyright their respective owners and are used under license or with permission. * Note M&C cannot be held responsible for the content on other Web Sites.

Servers supplied by Servint