"MILOŠEVAC MONASTERY: SYMBOL OF THE RESURGENCE OF POTKOZARJE"

Nestled at the foot of Kozara, near the entrance to Prijedor, stands the Miloševac Monastery, steeped in ancient lore and tradition. Its mention has been preserved in books since the 17th century, and through oral traditions, it has been safeguarded from oblivion. With the visionary zeal of Bishop Jefrem of Banja Luka and the participation of the inhabitants of the Potkozarje region, the largest and one of the most beautiful temples of the Banja Luka Diocese, and indeed the entire Serbian Orthodox Church, was erected.

Last year, the monastery witnessed the revival of monastic life after several centuries, igniting spiritual fervor not only within the monastery but also across Prijedor and Potkozarje. Currently, three monks reside in the monastery, under the stewardship of the vicar of Bishop Jefrem, Bishop Sava of Marča, who has also established his residence in this rejuvenated sanctuary, elevating it to the seat of the deputy bishop of Banja Luka.

The inaugural liturgy in the monastery church was officiated by His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije and His Grace Bishop Jefrem of Banja Luka on October 23, 2021.

Access to the monastery is conveniently facilitated. From the direction of Banja Luka, travelers take the main road, turning right towards the monastery at the entrance to Prijedor. Situated in a predominantly populated area, it is very close to the main street. Upon arrival, a breathtaking view of the monastery unfolds from a small elevation, as its towering presence "pierces the clouds" from the sheltered valley. The initial sights alone leave visitors awe-struck.

The monastery complex consists of a grand church dedicated to the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, a winter church dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, and a residence. The monastery church is the largest in the diocese and one of the largest in the Serbian Orthodox Church, measuring 28 by 18 meters, constructed in the Byzantine style.

Work on the interior of the church is scheduled to commence this year, presenting a significant undertaking for the brethren and craftsmen alike.

History

Historical records indicate that this monastery church was utilized in the late Middle Ages. According to entries in old church documents, the Miloševac Monastery was situated near the Miloševica River in the settlement of Čirkin Polje (known colloquially as the Monk's Field), at a site known as Crkvina.

Like other monasteries in the region, the Miloševac Monastery fell victim to the Austro-Turkish War of 1683-1699. Historical accounts from 1690 mention the hegumen Aksentije of Miloševac and the hieromonk Timotije of Miloševac, likely monks from the Miloševac Monastery. According to local folklore, the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos on Pašinac was constructed in 1890 using stone from the demolished Miloševac Monastery.

A cemetery developed on the site of the ruined monastery. The Dabro-Bosnian Metropolis Schematism for 1884, 1885, and 1886 mentions a monastery near Prijedor on a plain overgrown with forest, while the Banja Luka-Bihać Metropolis Schematism for 1901 states that there is a monastery near Prijedor where a cemetery has developed. Burials continue to take place at this location, with excavations often uncovering brick, stone, and even remnants of foundations.

Restoration

In August 2018, restoration work on the monastery commenced at the initiative of Bishop Jefrem of Banja Luka, with the foundation stone consecrated on November 18 of the same year. The new monastery is located in close proximity to the old one and follows the Byzantine architectural style, measuring 28 by 18 meters. His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej visited the foundation of the temple on May 5, 2019.

During 2020, a monastery church without a dome was built, along with bell towers. Four bells and eleven crosses, as well as the foundation of the monastery residence, were consecrated.

On October 14, 2023, the monastery celebrated its patron saint's day and was inhabited by monks from the Osovice Monastery in Srbac, with Bishop Sava Bundalo of Marča appointed by the Bishop of Banja Luka as the monastery's steward.