ALBANCI I VISOKI DEČANI (1967–1974)
ALBANIANS AND VISOKI DEČANI 1967–1974

Summary/Abstract: The position of the Dečani monastery in the post-Brion period until 1974 can only be viewed and understood historiographically in the broader context of the position of the SPC in the Yugoslav state, especially the position of the Eparchy of Raška and Prizren in Kosovo and the disturbed inter-ethnic relations in the southern province. Powerless to do anything, the diocese collected materials about pressures on the church by Albanians and local authorities and sent them to higher church and state/party authorities. In particular, the decan abbot Makarije Popović left behind a solid fund of material in the monastery archive, actually complaints and petitions to local authorities and the diocesan administration in Prizren, about the theft of the monastery's forest, fruits and vegetables by Albanians and physical attacks on the brothers. The authorities largely marginalized this security problem and this greatly encouraged Albanian chauvinism to continue in the same direction. The monastery, on the other hand, was undoubtedly committed to a policy of mutual cooperation and respect and, where there was no lack of impulse from the Albanian side, very correct business and other relations were established to mutual satisfaction. These relations were, however, overshadowed by the openly hostile behavior of the Albanian chauvinists who had protection in the local authorities.

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