Pogrom:
from the Russian meaning
literally
destruction or devastation
(usually referring to a
town or country).
On behalf of the Decani Monastery Relief
Fund
+ Very Reverend Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes, President
If you knew someone was suffering under a
pogrom, would you step in to deliver the person? Would you make an effort,
because if you turned a blind eye or deaf ear, someone’s suffering would
intensify? What if death would result without your intervention?
Sounds drastic, doesn’t it? It is. What if
the intent of the pogrom was targeted at members of your family? Today, members
of Christ’s Body, our Christian family, are suffering a pogrom in Kosovo. An
on-going pogrom—now in its 20th year! Hard to believe, isn’t it? Imagine living
with both deprivation and Christian persecution in various forms for two
decades running. It is no small thing.
Is suffering intensifying in Kosovo &
Metohija? Yes! Could death result without intervention? Yes! Has death already
occurred? Yes! The pogrom in Kosovo has taken various forms over the years. The
express purpose has been to demoralize and drive the remaining Serbian Orthodox
Christian population from their native province.
Terror is
the Game
The on-going pogrom includes various forms of terror—physical harassment and
harm, unexpected deaths. Property damage. Destruction of homes, leaving some
homeless and others now living in shipping containers. Destruction of 160
churches and monasteries in the region, some dating back to the 12th century.
Vandalizing and desecration of 400 cemeteries in the area. Theft of vehicles,
farm equipment and farm animals. Unexpected loss of utility services
(electricity—often resulting in food spoilage, lack of light and water service
in some areas). A growing scarcity of food. High gas prices. Lack of medical
services—only two hospitals in the region are allowed to serve the Serbian
population—and they are very poorly equipped as of this writing. Most pregnant
women opt to take the long ride to Belgrade (a 6 hour drive away) in order to
deliver a child safely.
All the above are deplorable circumstances, DELIBERATELY inflicted on the
Serbian population by the current Albanian majority to drive them out of Kosovo
for good!
aka Ethnic Cleansing
Marko Djuric, Republic of Serbia Director
of the Office for Kosovo & Metohija, recently reported, “We should also
bear in mind the fact that two-thirds of Kosovo’s pre-war Serbian population
remain refugees and only about 120,000 still live in Kosovo and Metohija in
poor economic conditions and political isolation while over 200,000 now live in
central Serbia.” He also pointed out that over 80,000 houses and apartments in
Kosovo are now used by other people, and together with security problems, are
the biggest obstacles preventing the Serbs’ return to Kosovo. Those who do return
may find bullet holes in their homes along with routine harassment by their
Albanian “neighbors.”
How the EU Spends Money in
Kosovo
It’s interesting to note that the European
Union has invested the ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo with 60 billion Euros
to date. However, for the Serbian population of Kosovo—NOTHING.
Serbs previously driven from Kosovo, who
then want to return, face obstacles as noted. Is it any wonder why the ethnic
Albanians continue to push for their ouster? Thus, the long-standing,
intensified pogrom continues.
Neutralizing the Assault
One of the more effective tools used in the pogrom is the lack of available
food. Lack of food is the greatest concern right now. The Decani Monastery
Relief Fund is routinely tapped for assistance in providing food. With your
help we will continue to source and provide needed food for the oppressed
population. Most often this requires us to travel outside the province to
source provisions. This is just one of the many ministries the fathers of the
Decani Monastery provide for the brethren.
Funds received by the DMRF are applied in
these ways:
• Routinely providing staple foods for families and monasteries
• Providing farm animals and farm equipment
• Providing food for six active soup kitchen ministries in the region
• Providing needed medical supplies and equipment
• Providing funds to help cover utility bills for families and monasteries
• Providing a hot lunch for students (a necessity during cold seasons)
• Providing firewood to heat homes, schools & monasteries during cold
seasons
Overcoming Evil With Good
You can relieve those who are suffering a
spiritual pogrom thinly disguised as a physical one. Yes, this pogrom is
physical and needs are acute. Even so, the Christians recognize the true battle
is spiritual as it is in every place where Christian persecution exists. Now is
the time to save the brethren by your prayers and your material support.
The Decani Monastery Relief Fund exists for
this purpose. With your support, we will let the brethren know, TANGIBLY, that
they are not forgotten by God. His people remain the lifeline for their support
during these times of crisis and uncertainty.
You CAN Provide
Deliverance--TODAY!
Help us meet this crucial need, please. Let
the persecutors be put to shame by the loving care these Christians receive
from you! There is a genuine need—there is a pogrom in progress and you can be
deliverers in Christ’s name through the Decani Monastery Relief Fund. Your
generous response will speak volumes to the hearts of suffering Serbian
Christians. You cannot know the depth of their need or their appreciation when
they find there is a way to cope with these on-going hardships. Assuredly, God
knows and will reward everyone for their generous and loving deeds.
Or by mail: Decani Monastery Relief Fund
c/o Very Reverend Nektarios Serfes
2618 West Bannock Street
Boise, ID 83702
You will receive a receipt for your gift.
The DMRF is a tax-exempt charity. For those
who might be wondering, the DMRF runs “lean.” We have no paid staff, all who
serve the Fund do it voluntarily. We are a “no overhead” organization. All the
proceeds given to the Fund go to Kosovo to meet needs there. So, the money you
give yields maximum effect.
The Love of God will Reign
in Kosovo
Because You Care
Unless we see with our own eyes we may not
realize the severity and its effect when food runs short. But I assure you, the
situation is critical and the DMRF will help with whatever means God provides.
Your gift today will nourish people physically. In doing so, you will save this
now Christian minority population from a severe humanitarian crisis.
We ask, too, that you remember and sustain
the brethren of Kosovo and Metohija spiritually through your prayers. They pray
for you, too—their benefactors!
God remember your love and reward it
eternally in His Kingdom! Thank you! Peace to your soul!
Humbly in our Lord Jesus Christ,
+ Very Reverend Archimandrite Nektarios
Serfes
Who always prays for you!
