SERBIA
In Serbia
BELGRADE – After various media started reporting about Serbian priest in Bosnia has allegedly abused minors, and even some of them got killed in the attempt to hide it, Serbia was deeply shaken. This was not the first time an Orthodox Church Priest gets accused for such a vicious crime.
Bishop Vasilije Kacavenda, or episkop zvorničko-tuzlanski, which is his original title, has become known as child molester judging by testimonials from his alleged victims and their parents. But there is no concrete evidence, such as photos or videos.
After the Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church heard about the unfortunate news, they decided to “punish” Kacavenda by retiring him. The decision came after careful consideration of available information. Kacavenda was retired, but allowed to keep his rank. However, the bishop hopes that this is just temporary decision, that all the charges will be dropped and he would be reinstated.
Another problem comes from the fact that Kacavenda is known as a bishop who has furniture painted in gold, and a home that looks like a palace.
Kačavenda was accused of multiple homosexual activities with minors. Serbian media also accused him of having sex with four young boys, claimed that it can be seen on the video (scroll down), and also that Serbian Orthodox Church is in the possession of this and maybe other videos, but it is not available for the public. Serbian Orthodox Church representatives have neither confirmed nor denied this claim.
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