Branko Radun, Željko Injac: Colored Revolution Against the Church

Coordinated attacks on the Serbian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Porfirije from 2020 to the present represent a complex phenomenon at the intersection of ideology, politics, and media. Through social networks, the interests of liberal activists criticizing the Church for its conservative stances, opposition circles seeking to weaken the Church’s influence relied upon by every government, and geopolitically motivated campaigns viewing the SPC as an obstacle to full Western dominance or local national identities in the region intertwine.The main goals of these attacks are the delegitimization of the Patriarch and the SPC, undermining their role in society and identity, and a form of “cancellation”—eliminating the Church’s traditional voice from public space.

The consequences are already visible in increased societal divisions, damaged reputation of church institutions, and confusion among the public, especially youth, regarding their identity and relationship with faith and national heritage.In conclusion, the professional organization of the campaign against the SPC, led primarily by NGOs, “independent” media, and second-Serbia circles largely funded by Western grants, is neither accidental nor spontaneous.

When you have a U.S. general’s statement that the SPC is the main “threat to completing the Western job of domination in the Balkans” and an EP resolution targeting the SPC, you have a clear geopolitical background to the campaign against the SPC.

Logically, calls for the Patriarch’s “removal” and anti-Church actions by protest figures like Jova Bakić suggest there are grounds to say that elements of a colored revolution are present in the campaign against the Patriarch.As the first point of colored revolutions, there is a targeted individual against whom a delegitimization campaign is waged, driven by geopolitical power logic.

Then, a network is created or an existing one is used, and unfortunately, some within the Church (priests and laity with the consent of some bishops) participate in the campaign against the Patriarch, demanding a change at the SPC’s top or a shift in the Patriarch’s stance toward the attempted colored revolution. The goal was to remove or marginalize the Patriarch.

All these elements—clear foreign interference, targeting the Patriarch, organized campaigns, creating media hysteria, attempts at infiltration within the SPC, and the blockade of the Orthodox Faculty—are elements of a colored revolution against the SPC and the Patriarch.To illustrate the true face of the protests and the campaign against the Patriarch and the SPC through inversion: If, by some chance, the Patriarch had supported the protests, which he himself labeled as an attempt at a colored revolution, there would have been no campaign against him or colored revolution against the Church.

The Role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Context of a Colored Revolution

The campaign against the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) and Patriarch Porfirije, as outlined in the text, is not merely a series of isolated incidents but a strategically orchestrated effort with elements characteristic of a „colored revolution.“ This term, often associated with externally influenced movements aimed at destabilizing governments or institutions, is used here to describe a deliberate attempt to undermine the SPC’s authority and influence, particularly in the context of the 2025 student protests and broader geopolitical dynamics.Elements of a Colored Revolution Against the SPC

1. Targeting a Key Figure (Patriarch Porfirije):
   A hallmark of colored revolutions is the identification and delegitimization of a central figure who symbolizes the institution or system under attack. In this case, Patriarch Porfirije has been singled out as the face of the SPC. By labeling him as a “regime pawn,” “misogynist,” or “Russian agent,” critics aim to erode his moral and spiritual authority, thereby weakening the Church as a whole. The text notes that attacks on the Patriarch are designed to portray him as detached from the people, particularly the youth, and aligned with political powers that protesters oppose. This mirrors tactics seen in colored revolutions, where leaders are demonized to fracture public trust in the institutions they represent.
2. Media and Social Media as Tools of Disinformation:
   Social networks, particularly platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and Telegram, have been instrumental in amplifying anti-SPC narratives. The text highlights coordinated efforts involving fake profiles, bots, and manipulated content—such as the fabricated 2022 video depicting Patriarch Porfirije in a compromising context—to damage his reputation. These tactics align with modern hybrid warfare strategies, where disinformation campaigns are used to shape public perception and sow division. The rapid spread of memes, sarcastic posts, and viral content mocking the Church ensures that negative narratives reach younger, digitally-savvy audiences, further alienating them from the SPC.
3. External Influence and Geopolitical Motives:
   The text emphasizes the role of Western-funded NGOs, media outlets, and political actors in driving the campaign against the SPC. Organizations like the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia and the Reporting Diversity Network, supported by EU and U.S. funding, have consistently portrayed the SPC as a nationalist, anti-progressive force. The 2022 European Parliament resolution, which labeled the SPC as a potential conduit for Russian influence, exemplifies how geopolitical agendas—particularly the West’s efforts to counter Russia and China in the Balkans—shape these attacks. The resolution’s accusations, though lacking evidence, provide a pretext for intensified scrutiny and pressure on the SPC, aligning with broader Euro-Atlantic goals to weaken institutions perceived as obstacles to regional integration.
4. Infiltration and Internal Division:
   A critical aspect of the campaign is the attempt to create divisions within the SPC itself. The text suggests that some priests and laity, with the tacit approval of certain bishops, have participated in or supported efforts to undermine Patriarch Porfirije. This internal dissent is a classic tactic of colored revolutions, where external actors exploit existing fault lines to destabilize an institution from within. By encouraging factions within the Church to question the Patriarch’s leadership or demand a shift in its stance toward the protests, critics aim to weaken the SPC’s unity and coherence.
5. Exploitation of Social Unrest:
   The 2025 student protests, sparked by the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, provided a fertile ground for anti-SPC campaigns. While the protests initially focused on government accountability and systemic corruption, the SPC was deliberately drawn into the conflict. Critics pressured the Church to explicitly support the protests, framing its neutrality or calls for unity as complicity with the regime. This tactic mirrors colored revolutions, where social movements are co-opted to target not just political authorities but also cultural and spiritual institutions that resist radical societal transformation.

The SPC’s Response and AdaptationDespite the intensity of the attacks, the SPC has shown signs of adapting to the modern media landscape and responding to the campaign. The text highlights several strategies:

• Direct Communication via Social Media: Patriarch Porfirije’s active presence on Instagram, where he communicates directly with believers, is a strategic move to bypass traditional media filters. By framing social networks as a “rooftop from which to proclaim God’s word,” the Patriarch seeks to counter negative narratives with positive, faith-based messages. This approach allows the SPC to reach younger audiences and present its perspective unmediated.
• Public Engagement and Transparency: The SPC has increased its media appearances, with Patriarch Porfirije and other dignitaries giving interviews to outlets like NIN and Croatian media to clarify the Church’s positions. The SPC’s Media Committee has also become more proactive in debunking false quotes and addressing disinformation, such as the fabricated video scandals.
• Appeals for Unity and Dialogue: In sermons and public statements, Patriarch Porfirije has emphasized themes of reconciliation, love, and unity, urging believers to resist hatred and division. His balanced stance during the 2025 protests—acknowledging students’ legitimate concerns while condemning the desecration of national symbols—reflects an attempt to maintain the SPC’s role as a unifying force rather than a partisan actor.
• Support from Believers: The attacks have galvanized many believers and nationally oriented citizens, who view the campaign against the SPC as a continuation of historical persecutions. Social media groups and portals defending the Church have emerged, countering negative narratives and fostering a sense of solidarity among the faithful. This grassroots support has strengthened the SPC’s resilience, echoing historical patterns where external pressure reinforced community cohesion.

The Broader Implications

The campaign against the SPC is not just an attack on a religious institution but part of a broader effort to reshape Serbian identity and weaken national cohesion. The text argues that the SPC’s role as a guardian of spiritual, cultural, and national values makes it a primary target for those seeking to impose a secular, globalist, or regionally fragmented identity on Serbs. By undermining the Church, critics aim to erode the traditional foundations of Serbian society, making it more pliable to external influences and geopolitical agendas.

The involvement of neighboring states like Croatia, Kosovo, and parts of Montenegro in anti-SPC campaigns underscores the regional dimension of this effort. For these actors, a weakened SPC means a diminished Serbian presence and influence, facilitating the consolidation of their own national narratives. The text’s reference to Croatian media campaigns, Kosovo’s ban on Patriarch Porfirije’s visits, and Montenegro’s promotion of an uncanonical “Montenegrin Orthodox Church” illustrates how regional politics intertwine with global strategies to target the SPC.

The Paradox of the Colored Revolution: if Patriarch Porfirije had openly supported the student protests, the campaign against him and the SPC might have been less intense. This suggests that the Church’s neutrality or refusal to align fully with the protest movement’s ideological leaders—often left-liberal or pro-Western groups—made it a target.

The SPC’s commitment to its spiritual mission and traditional values, rather than its political actions, is what provokes such fierce opposition. This dynamic reflects the broader tension between the Church’s role as a moral and cultural anchor and the revolutionary impulses of those seeking radical societal change.

The coordinated attacks on the Serbian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Porfirije from 2020 to 2025, peaking during the 2025 student protests, bear the hallmarks of a colored revolution. These efforts combine media disinformation, external geopolitical pressures, internal dissent, and exploitation of social unrest to delegitimize the SPC and marginalize its influence. The Church’s historical role as a pillar of Serbian identity makes it a strategic target for those seeking to transform Serbian society along secular, globalist, or regionally fragmented lines.Despite these challenges, the SPC has shown resilience through grassroots support, strategic communication, and a commitment to its spiritual mission. However, the ongoing campaign highlights the need for the Church to further adapt to the digital age, engage proactively with critics, and strengthen its connection with younger generations to counter the long-term effects of social engineering. The struggle for the SPC’s reputation is not just a battle for institutional survival but a defense of the cultural and spiritual identity it has preserved for centuries.