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Church leaders back Serbian protesters with solemn march
January 27, 1997
Web posted at: 10:00 a.m. EST (1500 GMT)BELGRADE, Yugoslavia (CNN) -- Serbia's pro-democracy movement Monday received a spiritual boost when the powerful head of the Serbian Orthodox church led a solemn procession through the heart of Belgrade.
It was the largest religious procession in the Serbian capital since World War II, and witnesses said the march was the biggest since half a million people turned out on Orthodox New Year's Eve two weeks ago.
It showed support still ran strong for the pro-democracy movement after more than two months of protests.
Patriarch Pavle, head of the church who is in his 80s, led the procession, estimated at up to 200,000-strong at its peak, through sunny but freezing early morning streets on the holy day of Saint Sava.
The patriarch, flanked by about 20 chanting priests, walked about 2 miles (3 kms) to celebrate mass at the Temple of Saint Sava, patron saint of educators and the founding father of the Serbian Orthodox church.
Priests in flowing robes
Unlike the boisterous anti-government protests of recent weeks, Monday's march was near silent, except for the chanting of priests in flowing robes and occasional bursts of applause.
Pavle, who supports the demonstrators, called Monday's procession in part to see if he could pass through a police cordon that had blocked students from marching in the center of the capital.
Police, who have clubbed demonstrators in recent days as the pro-democracy protests have dragged into a 10th week, kept their distance.
Protests against Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic and his neo-Communist Socialists, who have been in power since Communist rule formally ended in 1990, started after authorities denied the opposition its local election victories in Belgrade and 13 other cities.
Demonstrations have spread to some 50 towns across Serbia, in the biggest challenge to Milosevic since he took power in 1987.
Russian diplomacy
Later on Monday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov was due to meet Milosevic in a bid to help break the standoff.
Western diplomats said Ivanov's visit came as a surprise. But they were cautious about suggesting it could lead to a breakthrough.
A diplomatic source pointed out that the Russians, who have close ties with the Serbian leadership, had been promoting dialogue between the two sides.
The Zajedno (Together) opposition coalition maintains its election victories, which have been verified by the West, are non-negotiable.
And tension in the streets has escalated as baton-wielding riot police Sunday beat back demonstrators. At least five were hurt.
Orthodox gesture of defiance
The Orthodox Church, which backed Serb nationalist war aims during the Yugoslav conflict, stayed silent for weeks while pro-democracy protests swept Serbia.
But Patriarch Pavle blessed student protesters at a rally last week and priests frequently have attended demonstrations.
The church's involvement Monday was seen as a means to express the unity of the nation. "These are difficult times," said Mirjana Baltic, 61. "And this is where we can find spiritual strength."
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- No compromises seen as Serb clashes continue - January 26, 1997
- Serbian police clash with protesters - January 23, 1997
- Belgrade protests may be losing steam - January 22, 1997
- Belgrade students dance for democracy - January 21, 1997
- Serbian courts deal double setback to opposition - January 20, 1997
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