State Church
The article discusses the concept of Serbian imperialism as linked to the historical role of the Orthodox Church in the region, particularly in relation to Croatia.
The article addresses the idea of Serbian imperialism, which it describes as intricately connected to the Orthodox Church's influence and its historical actions against the Croatian territories. The author asserts that the Church was primarily focused on expanding its reach westward into Croatian lands, often employing methods that involved imposing Orthodox Christianity on the local populace. Loyalty to Ottoman rulers was viewed as a means of securing peace, and in return, the Serbian community engaged in military campaigns against Catholic nations, significantly impacting the religious landscape of the region.
As Ottoman rule diminished, the Serbian population allegedly intensified their efforts to consolidate power and promote the Orthodox faith at the expense of Catholicism. Important historical events are cited, including the assassination in Sarajevo in 1914 and the establishment of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) in 1920. Additionally, the Serbian Orthodox Church's interference in the affairs of the Catholic Church, particularly surrounding the beatification of Cardinal Stepinac, illustrates ongoing tensions. The author criticizes the lack of robust response from Croatians regarding these historical grievances, suggesting a disconnect in the perception of contemporary cultural and political issues related to national identity.
The piece argues that while some controversies may arise over patriotic songs sung by national representatives, there is a greater problem with the involvement of influential religious figures abroad. The author highlights a contradiction where discussions about the Croatian Orthodox Church are sidelined, yet the suppression of Croatian identity by Serbian imperial interests remains a significant and unresolved issue. This sentiment underscores a complex relationship with history and national identity within Croatia, prompting a call for greater awareness and discussion on these subject matter among Croatians.