Evangelical leaders in Serbia are pleading for urgent prayer as some say the country teeters on the brink of civil war after months of anti-corruption protests turned violent.
The unrest began last November when the roof of Novi Sad Railway Station collapsed, killing at least 15 people. Many Serbians blamed corruption and government negligence for the disaster. The tragedy quickly became a symbol of entrenched corruption, sparking calls for accountability that have since grown into mass demonstrations demanding early elections and the end of President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule, according to reporting by the BBC.
Christian Daily International previously reported on the protests, highlighting how some evangelicals joined demonstrations calling for transparency and reform, saying: “We see everything, we know everything, and we want change.”
However, what started as largely peaceful student-led protests has escalated into near-daily unrest involving hundreds of thousands across the country. In Belgrade, Novi Sad, and other cities, protesters have clashed with riot police, and ruling party offices have been attacked. Offices and flags representing Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have been a frequent target, with party facilities in Valjevo and other locations set on fire. In some incidents, police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds, the BBC reported.
Allegations of police brutality have also surfaced, with unverified videos circulating online showing officers beating demonstrators. Serbia’s interior ministry has denied these claims. Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights, voiced concern about “disproportionate force” by police and called for an end to arbitrary arrests and for de-escalation.
Amid this backdrop, the Serbian Evangelical Alliance is organizing a national initiative of prayer and fasting.
“We need your prayers,” said Samuil Petrovski, president of the Alliance and Secretary General of Evangelical University Students, the national branch of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. “Pray for the leaders to make wise decisions.”
Rev. Dusan Beredi, a pastor in Novi Sad, noted that the demonstrations have shifted beyond their original character. “The protests were no longer student-led and are often violent,” he said.
“That’s why I’m not directly involved as a pastor, although I personally participate and support (except for the violence). Right now, I think the churches are praying much more for a resolution, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Tatjana Samardžija, an assistant professor at the University of Belgrade, warned that the situation could spiral further out of control. “It was difficult to gauge exactly how bad the situation is,” she said. “I do know that we are on the verge of civil war and we desperately need your prayers.”
In March, Samardžija issued a public call for repentance, urging Serbians to turn to God. She warned the nation was “on the brink of destruction because of all the evil you do” but added, “God can save you if you repent.”
“Corruption has become the way of life for too many people. They have grown accustomed to injustice, nepotism and bribery in everything. A corrupt nation is to be abandoned by God if they do not repent.”
She also called for integrity within the church itself, saying that injustice and egoism were present in some fellowships.
“A truthful and honest church is the only one who can make a change in social turbulence. If its members are cowards and hypocrites, no difference can be made.”
“I would [say to] Christians that a Christian always has to stand for truth and justice, whatever the price – like all prophets have always done – but should never use the means of this world, violence, corruption and manipulation,” she said.
“We must remain calm and be peaceful, but we must also speak for freedom and appeal to powerful people to change their way. We must especially tell the nation to repent because there is so much corruption in some layers of society. Actually everywhere. Whoever can be bought has been bought.”
