ORTHODOX worshippers in Serbia have prayed for rain in order to end a weeks-long drought that has ruined crops and caused forest fires.The prayers were held in the central town of Valjevo in response to a call two days ago from the local bishop.Weather forecasts suggest the prayers could be answered, with showers predicted in the early hours of Monday.In south-west Serbia, army troops have been deployed to help contain a wildfire near the town of Cacak.Russia has also sent two firefighting aircraft to help stem the blazes, which have damaged homes, forests and farmland in the area, about 90km (55 miles) south of the capital Belgrade.The authorities are also fighting numerous wildfires elsewhere across Serbia.In a call issued on Friday, Bishop Milutin of Valjevo - about 50km north-west of Cacak - urged his congregation to repent of their sins and pray for rain.Many have asked why the Lord has allowed such a misfortune to descend on the land. Why such a punishment? he was quoted as saying by the Valjevo diocese.Clearly, the cause of such misfortune is human sin and lack of care for the natural order of things.
