Teslić, Bosnia and Herzegovina, August 15, 2025
Photo: spc.rs
The Serbian Orthodox Church of Prophet Elijah in Teslić, Bosnia and Herzegovina, received an icon and relic particles of St. Nikolai (Velimirović) of Ohrid and and Žiča, one of the most beloved saints of Serbia and America, during celebrations marking the church’s 100th anniversary on August 10.
His Eminence Metropolitan Fotije of Zvornik and Tuzla, who consecrated the renovated iconostasis and frescoes alongside three other bishops, emphasized the significance of St. Nikolai’s legacy. The Metropolitan described him as the most learned hierarch of his era who, after surviving the ordeals of concentration camps, preached worldwide about Serbian suffering and defended Serbian positions while witnessing to Christ and Orthodoxy across the globe. Metropolitan Fotije particularly highlighted the saint’s advocacy for Kosovo and Metohija, reports the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Photo: spc.rs
According to rector Archpriest Čedo Gotovac, St. Nikolai had personally visited the Teslić area during his lifetime, where he organized the Bogomoljci (God-worshippers) movement.
The centennial celebration was attended by high-ranking officials including Serbian member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović, Republika Srpska Government Secretary-General Dalibor Panić, Banja Luka Mayor Draško Stanivuković, and Teslić Mayor Milan Miličević.
During the ceremony, Metropolitan Fotije presented the Order of St. Sava Second Class to both Cvijanović and Mayor Miličević for their active participation in church life in the Teslić area. The Order of King Dragutin – St. Theoktist was awarded to Secretary-General Panić and the Teslić-based Chemical Industry Distillation company.
Photo: spc.rs
Mayor Draško Stanivuković of Banja Luke also noted during the celebration that St. Nikolai Velimirović himself had visited this church, quoting the saint’s words: “Whatever you weave, tie the threads to Heaven.”
The church’s restoration was largely funded by the faithful of the Teslić region, with support from Republika Srpska institutions and the city of Teslić.
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