Dragović Monastery
Dragović Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located near Vrlika in Croatia. Originally founded in the late 14th century, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history, most notably after its original site was submerged by the creation of Peruća Lake. Today, it is an active spiritual center for Serbs in Dalmatia, known for its treasury of historical manuscripts and religious artifacts.
Key Facts
- ›Originally founded in 1395, though some sources suggest a later date.
- ›The original monastery was submerged due to the creation of the artificial Peruća Lake.
- ›Rebuilt on a new site near Lake Peruća, approximately 20 kilometers from Knin.
- ›Has been destroyed and rebuilt three times in its history.
- ›Belongs to the Eparchy of Dalmatia of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
- ›Houses a treasury that once contained numerous manuscripts and sacral objects.
Treasury With Manuscripts and Sacral Objects, Part of Saint Gregory's Relics, Location On A Hill Overlooking Lake PerućA
Manastir Dragović
Drago, Archimandrite Gerasim Petranović, Nikodim Milaš, Nikodim Busović, Vikentije Stojisavljević, Jerotej KovačEvić, Fotije, đOrđE KnežEvić, Varsonufije, Hristofor Zefarović, Saint Gregory
- Destruction and Rebuilding Multiple Times
- Original Monastery Submerged By PerućA Lake Creation
- Reconstruction After Devastation During the Croatian War of Independence
About Dragović Monastery
Dragović Monastery is a significant Serbian Orthodox religious site located on a hill overlooking the Cetina River, near Vrlika in Croatia. The monastery's history is marked by resilience, having been destroyed and rebuilt on at least three occasions. Its most notable relocation occurred when the original structure was submerged due to the creation of the artificial Peruća Lake, necessitating its move to a new site adjacent to the lake.
History and Significance
While exact details of its founding are debated, historical accounts suggest Dragović Monastery was established in 1395, following the Battle of Kosovo, as Serbs migrated from Bosnia to Dalmatia. Other sources point to a founding by the late 16th century. The monastery was rebuilt in 1694 under Orthodox bishop Nikodim Busović with permission from Venetian authorities, though it experienced periods of desolation and complex relationships with both Catholic and Orthodox ecclesiastical bodies.
The physical challenges of its original location, including instability and moisture, led to its relocation in 1777 under hieromonk Vikentije Stojisavljević, with reconstruction efforts continuing for many years until its completion in 1867.
Modern Era
In 1959, the construction of the Peruća hydroelectric power station led to the monastery's second significant move to its current location. The monastery endured further hardship between 1991 and 1993 during the Croatian War of Independence, suffering damage and desecration. Following extensive reconstruction efforts initiated in 2004, Dragović Monastery has been re-established as an active monastic community and a vital spiritual center for the Serbs of Dalmatia, alongside the Krka and Krupa monasteries.
Treasury and Relics
Historically, Dragović Monastery possessed a rich treasury containing valuable manuscripts from the 16th to 18th centuries, ancient books in multiple languages, rare antimens including one by Hristofor Zefarović, and numerous 18th-century sacral objects crafted with intricate silverwork. The monastery church also housed a portion of the relics of Saint Gregory, a Serbian enlightener and Archbishop.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dragović Monastery founded?
According to tradition and some historical accounts, Dragović Monastery was built in 1395. However, official schematisms published until the late 19th century do not contain known historical information about its foundation. More reliable historical sources suggest it was possibly founded by the end of the 16th century.
Why was the monastery moved?
The original monastery was submerged when the artificial Peruća Lake was created. The grounds of the original site were also unstable and increasingly moist, prompting monks to seek a better location.
What is the current status of Dragović Monastery?
Dragović Monastery is an active Serbian Orthodox monastery. After being devastated during the Croatian War of Independence, it underwent reconstruction and received a new brotherhood in 2004, re-establishing its tradition of Orthodox gatherings.
What was significant about Dragović Monastery's treasury?
The monastery's treasury was rich, containing numerous manuscripts from the 16th to 18th centuries written in various languages, rare antimens, and sacral objects made with silver granulation and filigree. It also held a part of Saint Gregory's relics.
Where is Dragović Monastery located?
Dragović Monastery is situated on a hill downstream the Cetina River, not far from Vrlika in Croatia. It is now located next to Lake Peruća, about 20 kilometers from Knin.
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