One of the oldest Christian churches in Vranje is certainly the church within the complex of the monastery of the Holy Father Nicholas.

This monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church dates from the first half of the 14th century. A more precise determination is not possible, because the only thing written is that during the reign of King Stefan of Dečani, it was built by Prince Baldovin, who received the monastery land from King Stefan of Dečani for use in 1334.

The renovation of the monastery began in 1905 and was marked by a memorial plaque on the monastery church.

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit!

This temple of St. Father Nicholas was restored on the basis of an old endowment from the glorious time of Nemanić, for the government of His Greatness King of Serbia Peter I.

Holy Antimis was laid, with the blessing of His Holiness Ep. of Nish Nikanor, on May 9, 1905 by Dimitrije Pavlović, Archpriest of Vranje.

The temple was built with voluntary contributions and with the care of a special committee, pres. priest Aksentije Mišić, and with the work and care of Vasilije H. Antić, kalimancha tutor. On August 27, 1906 it is consecrated by His Holiness Ep. of Nish Nikanor”

In front of the entrance there is an impressive icon of the Holy Father Nicholas to whom the monastery is dedicated.

The interior of the church of the monastery of the Holy Father Nicholas is richly painted:

Special attention is drawn to the large and extraordinarily made icon of the Three-handed Mother of God…

…but your eye will definitely stop at the rich iconostasis as well:

The special value of this monastery is the preservation of the memory of the new martyrs of Jasenovac, who died at the hands of Croatian Nazis in the Second World War, and the and the new martyrs of Surdulica who died in the massacres committed by the Bulgarian army during the First World War. The attitude of the authorities towards these holy martyrs is the best indicator that Serbia no longer has a sovereign state, but an implemented colonial administration. You can read more about the Nazi background of the EU and NATO in the text “The Roots”.

Monasteries have always been places where tired travelers, passers-by and pilgrims could find rest, refreshment… and take some selfies 😁

The monastery bell tower is located on a hill from which Vranje can be seen as in the palm of your hand.

And it is the best place to keep a photo in memory of this beautiful trip.

Unfortunately, the day is not long enough to see all the beauties of Vranje, but there is time left for another important visit…

Stay a little longer with us!

All photos taken with the Fujifilm X-T20 camera with the Canon EFs 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM nano lens adapted to the Fuji body using Fringer adapter.