Zubin Potok, Kosovo, May 6, 2020
Photo: eparhija-prizren.com
The abbess and 14 nuns of the authoritative Gračanica Monastery in southern Kosovo have been transferred to repopulate and revive the restored Brnjak Monastery in northern Kosovo.
The decision to transfer Mother Stefanida and the sisters was made by His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Raška-Prizren for the monasteries in the area of northern Kosovo to become “an additional spiritual support for our faithful people,” reports the diocesan press service.
The monastery over Gazivoda Lake currently operates as a dependency of Gračanica, though the diocese hopes it will become a fully autonomous habitation under Mother Stefanida’s direction.
There is a church dedicated to St. George at the monastery, and the construction of a new monastic residence next to the church is well underway. Renovations began already in late August, with the participation of Mother Stefanida and the sisters.
The transferred sisters also aim to revive the girls school that was founded in Brnjak in the 13th century by St. Elena Anžujska.
The management of Gračanica will be assumed by Mother Theodora, who has spent her entire monastic life in the ancient monastery. Six other nuns will remain with her. Mother Stefanida and the other nuns will continue to stay at Gračanica until the monastic residence is completed at Brnjak Monastery.
