Patriarch of Serbia denies reports of plans to establish Diocese of Boka Kotorska | Orthodox Times (en)

Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia on Friday, August 14, 2026, denied media reports claiming that the Serbian Orthodox Church was considering the establishment of a new Diocese of Boka Kotorska in Montenegro.

In a statement to the Information Service of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Porfirije said that the issue had never been considered or discussed by the Church.

“The story about the establishment of a Diocese of Boka Kotorska in Montenegro would be laughable were it not for the malicious intent behind it,” the Serbian Patriarch said.

He described the reports as part of a “well-designed malicious campaign” aimed at creating “confusion, turmoil and distrust among Orthodox believers.”

Patriarch Porfirije categorically rejected claims that discussions or plans concerning the establishment of such a diocese had taken place.

“We have never even thought about this, let alone spoken or held discussions on the subject, and we certainly have not developed any strategy,” he stressed.

“Therefore, the establishment of a Diocese of Boka Kotorska in Montenegro is not an issue under consideration in our Church,” Patriarch Porfirije concluded.

Source: Patriarchate of Serbia