Zlatko Vujović analyzes conflict within Serbian Orthodox Church

Political analyst Zlatko Vujović suggests that the conflict between Metropolitan Joanikije and the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) is driven by internal Serbian issues rather than Montenegrin politics. According to Vujović, the friction stems from internal factions within the SPC, specifically regarding Joanikije’s alignment with certain circles and his stance toward Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

Vujović notes that Joanikije was appointed to dismantle the pseudo-autonomous position previously held by Metropolitan Amfilohije. Under Amfilohije, the Orthodox Church in Montenegro operated as a distinct format with its own Episcopal Council. Following Joanikije’s appointment, the SPC abolished this status, the council, and the title of Cetinje Archbishop, placing the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral on equal footing with other SPC eparchies.

The analyst posits that the SPC has the authority to either remove Joanikije or restructure the Metropolitanate to strip him of control over the Ostrog Monastery.