Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Zagreb Targeted in Nighttime Vandalism Attack
The Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Zagreb was targeted in a nighttime attack in which unidentified individuals threw objects at the building, shattering stained-glass windows and damaging church property. The incident occurred on a day of prayer and remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust, highlighting the severity of the attack.
On 23 April 2026, the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord, belonging to the Serbian Orthodox Church in Zagreb, was attacked by unknown individuals during the night. According to the Zagreb-Ljubljana Metropolis, the perpetrators threw chairs and other objects from nearby cafés towards the church entrance, fence, and churchyard, causing significant damage, including the destruction of a historic stained-glass window and exterior lighting.
The desecration coincided with a day of prayerful remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust and the innocent victims of the Jasenovac concentration camp, which the Church highlighted in its statement when condemning the attack.
Church representatives described the incident as a serious violation of a sacred space and a broader attack on values of peace and coexistence. The Metropolis stressed that such actions “inflict deep wounds on trust and reconciliation” and called on Croatian authorities to ensure a fair investigation and take measures to curb the language of hatred in the public sphere.
In its official statement, the Church said that “an attack on a holy place is a blow against the fundamental values of peace, human dignity, and coexistence,” while also urging the faithful not to be deterred and to continue attending the cathedral, which remains open for worship.
Source and photo: spzh