Metropolitan Josif and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Conflict with the New Yugoslav Authorities (1944–1946)

AUTHOR(S) / AUTOR(I): Miloš Ković

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DOI: 10.46793/POLITY25.281K

ABSTRACT / SAŽETAK:

This article explores the relations between the Serbian Orthodox Church and the new Yugoslav authorities during and immediately after liberation, at a time when the Church was led by the deputy of Patriarch Gavrilo Dožić, Metropolitan Josif Cvijović (1944–1946). Initially, the Serbian Church exhibited optimism and hope for cooperation with the new rulers of the country. However, the administrative measures that gradually diminished its public influence, attempts to divide it according to the new federal borders, the persecutions, and the hostility it was exposed to, sparked conflicts between the Serbian Church and the Yugoslav state. These clashes peaked just before the return of Patriarch Gavrilo from captivity. From then on, tensions gradually decreased, although all issues in the relationship between the Church and the state remained unresolved. A similar dynamic existed in the relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the new Yugoslav authorities, although the starting points were different due to the distinct roles of the two churches during the war. The confrontation between the Roman Catholic Church and the Yugoslav Communist authorities represents an important context for understanding the conflict between the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Yugoslav regime.

KEYWORDS / KLJUČNE REČI:

Serbian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Josif, Yugoslavia, Communist Party of Yugoslavia, Roman Catholic Church

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