Belgrade: The Serbian Orthodox Church has
removed the hardline spiritual leader of Kosovo Serbs on
suspicion that he embezzled church and state funds.
The Holy Synod, the church's top body, ruled today that
Archbishop Artemije can no longer lead the church in Kosovo,
considered the heartland of the church. Kosovo declared
independence from Serbia in 2008.
Artemije, known for his ultra-nationalist and
anti-Western stands, was investigated by the church for
allegedly mishandling millions of euros in aid and government
funds over several years.
Several hundred of his supporters, including some priests
from Kosovo, gathered in front of the church headquarters in
Belgrade during the Holy Synod meeting.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, February 13, 2010, 22:31