Lelić, Serbia, March 4, 2026
Photo: spc.rs
The St. Nicholas Monastery in Lelić, Serbia, the birthplace and final resting place of St. Nikolai (Velimirović), is constructing a museum and memorial house in his honor, with the Serbian Orthodox Church calling for donations to complete the project.
The foundation of the museum was consecrated in September 2023 by His Grace Bishop Isihije of Valjevo, reports the Diocese of Valjevo.
At the consecration, Bp. Isihije said:
Having built in his homeland a church dedicated to his Heavenly patron, St. Nicholas of Myra, the holy Bishop Nikolai laid the foundation of charitable work in his native Lelić. Following his example, we strive to continue his work. This is a vow and the desire of our hearts. We’re aware of the difficulties we may encounter in fulfilling the words of the Gospel and the vow of the saint, but we’re also convinced that the grace of God is helping us in this work.
“We’re firmly convinced that Bishop Nikolai himself blesses our labor, helps generously, and blesses us. This has been evident from the beginning of this work,” he added.
Yesterday, the official website of the Serbian Orthodox Church published a call for donations to complete the museum's construction. Donations may be made by bank transfer to the following account:
Recipient: Serbian Orthodox Church, Monastery of Holy Father Nikolai, Lelić
Purpose of payment: Construction of museum
Account number: 160-377006-78
For more information, the monastery may be contacted by email at manastirlelic@gmail.com, on Facebook at Манастир Лелић, or on Instagram at manastir_lelic.
St. Nikolai Velimirović holds a special place in the hearts of Orthodox Christians in America, where he spent the final years of his life. He reposed at St. Tikhon’s Monastery and Seminary in March 1956 and was buried at the Monastery of St. Sava in Libertyville, Illinois. His remains were transferred to his native Lelić on May 12, 1991.
His former cell in the St. Tikhon’s Seminary building was recently turned into a shrine, and the first Liturgy was celebrated there last March.
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