politics
February 18, 2026
Holy Synod Dismisses Bishop Justin of Žiča and Initiates Canonical Responsibility Proceedings
The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, at its session held today, February 18, made a decision by which His Eminence Archbishop and Metropolitan Justin of Žiča was relieved of his duties of managing the entrusted Diocese of Žiča, until the regular session of the Holy Synod of Bishops in 2026, and at the same time, proceedings were initiated to determine his canonical responsibility.
TL;DR
- The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church has dismissed Metropolitan Justin of Žiča from managing the Diocese of Žiča until 2026.
- Proceedings have been initiated to determine Metropolitan Justin's canonical responsibility.
- Investigations revealed unauthorized establishment of three companies: 'Trifora doo', 'JEŽ doo', and 'Vinarija manastira Studenice doo'.
- Metropolitan Justin is accused of unauthorized sale of 34 church properties and entering into damaging multi-million euro contracts.
- He is also alleged to have made unauthorized multi-million euro loans to various companies and committed unprecedented financial abuses within the Church.
- The Synod denied Metropolitan Justin's claims of political persecution, emphasizing these are internal church matters.
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