Gorno Nerezi, Skopje Region, North Macedonia, August 12, 2024
Photo: mpc-spe.mk
The Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric festively celebrated one of its crown jewels on Friday, August 9.
That day, the St. Panteleimon Monastery in Gorno Nerezi, outside of Skopje, commemorated its patronal feast with a Divine Liturgy celebrated by the primate of the Macedonian Church, His Beatitude Archbishop Stephan of Ohrid, reports the Diocese of Skopje.
At the Liturgy, the faithful partook of the Sacred Mysteries of Christ.
Photo: mpc-spe.mk
According to Global Orthodox, following the service, the monastery hosted an International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) conference on the preservation of historic churches.
Global Orthodox describes the famous St. Panteleimon Church, home to some of the greatest examples of Byzantine iconography:
The main church of the St. Panteleimon Monastery, constructed in the 12th century, is one of the oldest in the Skopje Region. Seven years ago, the monastic community was reestablished, and restoration efforts are ongoing, with the brotherhood working to revive traditional monastic practices and agriculture within the monastery.
The church was originally built in 1164 by Alexios Komnenos, the son of Theodora (the youngest daughter of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos) and Constantine Angelos. The frescoes of the Nerezi Monastery are considered significant examples of Byzantine art from the Komnenos era. They reflect the complex theological debates of the time, including discussions at the Ecumenical Councils on the indivisible union of Christ’s Divine and human natures, the unity of the Holy Trinity, and the truth of the Eucharistic sacrifice. The frescoes notably emphasize the Passion of Christ and depictions of the Holy Trinity.
Photo: mpc-spe.mk
Take a virtual tour of the St. Panteleimon Church.
Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!
