(CROATIA)
The Good Men Project [Pasadena CA]
March 29, 2025
By Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Can the Serbian Orthodox Church survive the truth about its darkest secrets, or will silence continue to shield abuse and injustice?
On March 9, 2025, Zagreb hosted the international and interfaith conference “Faith and Reason”, organized by the association “Alliance of Christians – Croatia”. This significant gathering brought together participants from different parts of the world—including the United States and Ukraine—with the goal of analyzing how faith is used and misused in contemporary society from various professional and religious perspectives.
However, the most critical and sensitive part of the discussion focused on sexual abuse and pedophilia within religious communities—topics that have long been taboo, shielded by institutional walls and mechanisms that protected perpetrators rather than victims. Participants emphasized that confronting this issue is the only way to ensure justice for survivors and prevent future crimes.
One of the most controversial topics discussed was the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC). Through the analysis of specific cases, experts highlighted the problem of institutional mythologization, where, instead of facing responsibility, a narrative is created based on historical myths and the denial of scandals.
Church and Ideology: The SOC as a Political Force
One of the key issues in analyzing the SOC is its historical connection to political projects and nationalist ideologies. Critics argue that the SOC does not function solely as a religious institution but as an organization that actively participates in political processes, often taking extreme positions.
Since the late 19th century, the SOC has been one of the pillars of the Greater Serbian ideology, shaping narratives that have played a crucial role in fueling political conflicts in the Balkans. Instead of focusing on spiritual renewal and moral leadership, the SOC has often served as a refuge for political figures, with its officials actively supporting projects that led to conflicts and mass suffering.
During the wars of the 1990s, the SOC took a stance of support for political and military leaders who were later indicted and convicted of war crimes. Photos of Patriarch Pavle in the company of Ratko Mladić and Radovan Karadžić clearly illustrate that the Church was not merely an observer but an active participant in shaping war propaganda and spreading narratives that justified ethnic conflicts.
Sexual Abuse and Institutional Protection of Perpetrators
While scandals of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church have attracted global attention and resulted in serious legal proceedings, similar cases within Orthodox churches, including the SOC, have often remained in the shadows. However, numerous reports and testimonies indicate that the problem is just as severe.
Experts at the conference highlighted that Orthodox communities often employ a systematic model of cover-ups—from ignoring reports and manipulating evidence to intimidating victims and their families.
One of the most serious cases involves the Žitomislić Monastery, where, in 2005, the SOC publicly declared several individuals saints, including priest Milorad Vukojičić, known as Macola. According to survivors’ testimonies and archival documents, Vukojičić was directly responsible for brutal war crimes during World War II, including the mass killing of civilians.
Beyond war crimes, the SOC has also been accused of covering up sexual abuse and pedophilia within its ranks. One of the most infamous cases is the murder of theology student Milić Blažanović, who, according to witnesses, suffered sexual abuse in a monastery before being brutally killed. Instead of launching an investigation and ensuring justice for the victims, the SOC covered up the case, leaving many questions unanswered.
A Culture of Silence and the Absence of Justice
One of the key issues regarding sexual abuse within the SOC is the complete lack of institutional accountability. Unlike the Catholic Church, which has faced its scandals under public and legal pressure, Orthodox communities largely ignore accusations and refuse to conduct internal investigations.
This problem extends beyond the SOC—covering up sexual abuse scandals is a phenomenon present in almost all Orthodox churches worldwide. The reason for this lies in the specific church hierarchy and the way Orthodox churches are organized, with strong autonomy and minimal external oversight.
As a result, there is very little public discussion about these issues in Orthodox communities, and media attention is almost nonexistent. While Catholic countries engage in open debates about reforms and accountability, in the Orthodox world, this topic remains taboo, and those who try to address it face serious obstacles, including threats.
Conclusion: Can the SOC Survive Facing the Truth?
The conference in Zagreb made it clear that the issue of religious institutions’ responsibility for sexual abuse, political manipulation, and the cover-up of crimes can no longer be ignored. Participants called for reform and transparency but also pointed out that such changes will be difficult to achieve without external pressure—both from the media and legal institutions.
The key question remains: Can the SOC survive facing its own shadows? Because, as one SOC priest once said in an informal conversation:
“Someone took me there for the first time too.”
If the SOC and other religious institutions continue to ignore the problem, the real question is—who will be the next victim?
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Bojan Jovanović is a former deacon of the Serbian Orthodox Church and a prominent whistleblower exposing systemic abuse within religious institutions. He is known for revealing sexual abuse cases and organized cover-ups within the SOC, especially involving minors. His book, How We Betrayed God: And Children Paid the Price, details his firsthand experiences and calls for accountability. Jovanović has spoken at international forums, including the Brave Movement’s Global Survivors Action Summit. Despite facing threats and isolation, he remains a dedicated advocate for survivors and a vocal critic of institutional silence and complicity within Orthodox religious communities.