ORTHODOX CHURCH IN EASTERN CROATIA EXPECTS RETURN OF PROPERTY

( Editorial: --> 0536 ) OSIJEK, Mar 18 (Hina) - Osijek-Baranja County Prefect Anica Horvat Wednesday at his request received county episcope Lukijan. Horvat pointed out during talks that the Orthodox faithful freely declare their religion and that since 1992 masses were regularly celebrated at two Orthodox churches in Osijek. The prefect assessed today's talks as significant "on account of joint endeavours concerning the establishment of confidence and the continuation of the peaceful reintegration process", and because of the realisation of the two-way return of refugees and displaced persons. Episcope Lukijan said there are about 50 Orthodox Church buildings in the county which the Church expects will be denationalised. Horvat said the matter is solved at a state level and that the county could not influence the return of Church property. The Osijek-Baranja County prefect said the county would not fail to assist in the reconstruction of Orthodox Church buildings. Lukijan assessed as aggravating this year's departure of nine Orthodox priests, pointing out that their example was followed by the faithful. Today's talks also tackled the holding of classes for Orthodox pupils in elementary and high schools in Baranja. According to Ksenija Zbozil, head of the county office for education, in some schools Orthodox priests were not complying with their obligations. Religion classes for Orthodox children are organised in the same way as those for Catholic pupils, she said. (hina) ha mm 181444 MET mar 98