Protection of religious rights and preservation of Orthodox heritage discussed in Belgrade

on April 30, 2026, an international conference on «Protection of Religious Rights and Orthodox Heritage» was held in Belgrade, where leading experts discussed contemporary challenges to religious freedom and the preservation of cultural and historical values in the context of global geopolitical transformations. Participants from Serbia, Ukraine, Latvia, France, Georgia and Belarus emphasized the need to comply with international legal standards to ensure the stability of Orthodox communities.

According to the Center for Geostrategic Studies, which initiated the event, the situation of believers in a number of regions — from the Balkans to the Baltics — is inextricably linked to political processes affecting church structures. During the discussions it was noted that the canonical order and unity of the Orthodox Church are fundamental to its identity, while schismatic tendencies are recognized as a threat to the stability of society.

The delegates were particularly concerned about the actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. According to the participants, Patriarch Bartholomew’s decisions regarding the situation in Ukraine have led to a deepening of the schism and persecution of the clergy and laity of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The experts said that the use of religion for geopolitical purposes is unacceptable and should be condemned by the international community.

One of the key results of the meeting was the initiative to create the International Council for the Defense of the Orthodox Canonical Order. This body will monitor the observance of the rights of believers, analyze threats to church property and develop recommendations for the preservation of spiritual heritage. The participants emphasized that the protection of cultural monuments and effective response to administrative pressure require increased interaction between experts in law, theology and media.

The conference concluded with an appeal to all local churches to actively defend the principles of sobornosti and strengthen the solidarity of Orthodox peoples. It was noted that the preservation of the spiritual and cultural code is the key to long-term mutual understanding and peace in the region.