Bosnia's former mufti called for the establishment of a "Bosnian Orthodox Church" to strengthen statehood
Former Supreme Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mustafa Ceric initiated the establishment of an autocephalous “Bosnian Orthodox Church. In his opinion, the establishment of such a structure is necessary to strengthen Bosnian statehood, breaking ties with “foreign centers of influence” and ensuring the loyalty of religious institutions in Bosnia.
According to the Pravblog Telegram channel, in his authored article, Ceric argues that the idea of creating a “BOCC” is not a provocation, but “a natural expression of historical continuity.” He appeals to the history of the medieval “Bosnian Church,” calling it a unique phenomenon that he says reflected Bosnia’s political identity.
“If Bosnia had its own autocephalous church throughout history, then it makes sense that in the modern era Bosnia should also have its own autocephalous Orthodox Church with its own canons, center and clear loyalty to Bosnian statehood,” the former mufti writes, explaining his position.
Ceric’s key argument is the need for a structure that would be “loyal to the Bosnian state” and put an end to the “monopolies and guardianship” that keep the country in “alien narratives.” By these “alien narratives” is meant the influence of the canonical Serbian Orthodox Church. He insists that autocephaly would allegedly be an act of responsibility rather than separation, rooting Orthodoxy in the Bosnian cultural space.
The text pays special attention to the date of January 9, which is traditionally celebrated as Republika Srpska Day and is often associated with political tensions. Ceric suggests rethinking this day and making it a day to proclaim the idea of “BOCC,” which he says would be a “demonstration of continuity” and spiritual healing instead of discord.
“The Bosnian Orthodox Church would not be against anyone, but would be for Bosnia: for its sovereignty, peace and the dignity of Orthodox believers who perceive Bosnia as their only homeland and not as an extension of other people’s national and ecclesiastical projects, ” Ceric summarizes, emphasizing the pro-Bosnian orientation of the initiative.
Recall, earlier we published an analytical material that Montenegro may become the next place of invasion of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The country has long had an unrecognized Montenegrin Orthodox Church, which enjoys special attention of the state and is a de facto counterweight to the Montenegrin Metropolitanate of the Serbian Orthodox Church. It is possible that the Patriarch of Constantinople may do the same in Montenegro as in Ukraine, granting the Tomos on autocephaly to local schismatics.
