A decree of the so-called “Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC)” is circulating on social networks, which prohibits employees in this organization (known as clergy and monks) from appearing on social networks without prior approval, ie verification by the Board of Directors.
According to this document, the decision regarding the appearance of SOC employees on social networks was made at the end of August.
“We would like to inform you that the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, in its session on August 31, 2021, made a decision that refers to the increasingly frequent practice of certain priests appearing in various discussions and video clips on social networks. In this regard, we order you to immediately upon receipt of this act inform the clergy and monks in your governorates of the above decision, emphasizing that no public appearance is allowed, including appearances and activities on social networks without our blessing”, it is stated in the decision signed by the director of the Serbian Orthodox Church Porfirije.