(7 Jan 2000) Serbo-Croat/Nat
Hundreds of Serbs from all over Kosovo have gathered in the town of Gracanica to celebrate the Orthodox Christmas.
Before the war in Kosovo, festivities used to take place in the capital, Pristina.
But whilst relations with the ethnic Albanian community remain tense, Orthodox Christians retreated to the stronghold of Gracanica to celebrate.
In the peaceful streets of Gracanica, only the presence of Swedish peacekeeping soldiers betray the truth this is no ordinary Christmas for the Kosovo Serbs.
Their numbers now smaller than ever after their defeat by NATO air power, the Serbs gather here, their one remaining stronghold, to celebrate the Orthodox Christmas.
Serbs from all over Kosovo travelled to Gracanica to join the 5-thousand strong Serb community for the low-key festivities.
They used to celebrate their Christmas in Pristina - but with the ongoing tensions with the ethnic Albanian community, the focus has shifted.
People flocked in their hundreds to this church to light candles, pray and receive communion.
Like homes and place of worship throughout Serbia, they have decorated this church with dried oak branches - a symbol of the Yule log.
Presents were handed out to children - but overall, the mood was somber, with memories of past years haunting those who came to pray.
SOUNDBITE: (Serbo-Croat)
"Last year we celebrated Christmas in Pristina and we hope that we are going to celebrate the same next year in peace and I appeal the people to forget the all terrible things that happened to us in Kosovo. We have to celebrate the Serb Christmas in all parts of Kosovo, not only in Gracanica where we are now isolated."
SUPER CAPTION: Father Eogomir, Orthodox priest
Extra K-FOR troops were sent to Gracanica to avoid any trouble between the Serbs and the majority Muslim population of ethnic Albanians.
The loss of Kosovo was a bitter blow not just to the Yugoslav leadership but also to the church.
The cradle of Serb Orthodox Christianity, Kosovo, is home to hundreds of beautiful old churches and monasteries -part of the religious and cultural heritage that was invoked so often as justification for the war.
Many hope the new generation of Serbs will grow up learning to live in peace and harmony with their Muslim neighbours.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
