Soko Monastery
Soko Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located near Ljubovije, Serbia, at the foot of Soko Grad. Dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra and St. Bishop Nikolai Velimirović, it serves as a spiritual center and hosts an annual international event for young people. The monastery complex, built starting in 1994, includes a church, a boarding house, and Bishop Nikolaj's House, and is notable for its prominent 12-meter high cross commemorating victims of the 1999 NATO bombing.
Key Facts
- ›The monastery is dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra and St. Bishop Nikolai Velimirović.
- ›It was built by Bishop Lavrentije of Sabac-Valjevo.
- ›The church, built in 1994, features a late Moravian architectural style.
- ›A 12-meter high gilded cross stands on a nearby rock as a monument to victims of the 1999 NATO bombing.
- ›The monastery complex includes a boarding house, museum, workshop, and Bishop Nikolaj's House with a library.
- ›An annual international event called 'Moba' brings together young people from around the world.
Late Moravian Style, Baroque Style, Byzantine Style
Church of St. Nicholas, Bishop Nikolaj's House, 12m High Gilded Cross, Way of Faith With 10 Chapels, Spring of Healing Water, Museum, Workshop For Monasticism
манастир соко
St. Nicholas of Myra, St. Bishop Nikolai Velimirović, Bishop Lavrentije of Sabac-Valjevo, Bishop Nikolaj Lelicki, Bishop Nikolaj žIčKi, Sister Krstana Tasić, Horst Wrobel, Darinka Radovanović, Branko Tupanjac, Jovana, Alexander LöHr
1999 Nato Bombing
About Soko Monastery
Soko Monastery (Serbian Cyrillic: Манастир Соко) is a Serbian Orthodox monastery situated at the base of Soko Grad, nestled on the slopes of Sokolska planina near Ljubovije, Serbia. The monastery's spiritual and physical heart is dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, as well as to St. Bishop Nikolai Velimirović, and it plays a role in fostering connections among young people of Serbian heritage globally through its annual summer event, 'Moba'.
Construction and Dedication
The monastery was established by Bishop Lavrentije of Sabac-Valjevo and is consecrated to Bishop Nikolaj Lelicki and Žički. The primary church within the monastery complex was constructed in 1994 and exhibits characteristics of the late Moravian architectural style. Its interior features a wood-carved iconostasis in the baroque style, adorned with 24-carat gold, and icons rendered in the Byzantine style, with frescoes contributed by the noted icon painter, Sister Krstana Tasić.
Notable Features and Surroundings
The Soko Monastery complex is more than just its church; it boasts a boarding house complete with a spacious dining room, a museum, and a workshop dedicated to monastic life. Adjacent to the monastery is Bishop Nikolaj's House, which includes a library, dining facilities, numerous bedrooms, and other essential rooms. A striking landmark near the monastery is a 12-meter high, 2280 kg gilded cross, erected on March 24, 2000. This cross serves as a monument to the innocent victims of the 1999 NATO bombing and was a donation from Horst Wrobel of Germany. A 2-kilometer path, known as the 'Way of Faith,' connects the monastery to this cross, marked along its route by ten stone chapels, each inscribed with one of God's commandments. The area is also blessed with a spring of healing water and a chapel dedicated to St. Father Nikolaj Mirlikijski. A 3-meter high monument to Bishop Nikolaj, sculpted by Darinka Radovanović, further enhances the spiritual landscape of the site.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Soko Monastery built?
The church of the monastery was built in 1994. Other parts of the complex, such as Bishop Nikolaj's House, are also part of the monastery's development.
What is the significance of the large cross near the monastery?
The 12-meter high gilded cross was erected on March 24, 2000, as a monument to the innocent victims of the 1999 NATO bombing. It is a significant landmark and a symbol of remembrance.
What religious tradition does Soko Monastery belong to?
Soko Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox monastery, adhering to the traditions and practices of the Orthodox Church.
Are there any special events held at Soko Monastery?
Yes, every summer Soko Monastery hosts an international event called 'Moba,' which gathers young people from around the world who have origins in the region.
What notable features are part of the Soko Monastery complex?
The monastery includes a church with relics of St. Bishop Nikolaj, a boarding house with a museum and workshop, and Bishop Nikolaj's House, which contains a library and accommodation. A significant cross and a 'Way of Faith' with chapels are also nearby.
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