Montenegro: Mountainside Monks and the Hand of Saint John the Baptist
The Balkan country of Montenegro, situated on the Adriatic coast and bordering Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo, is one of the smallest nations in Europe in terms of geographic size, but great in terms of its beauty. From its warm, sparkling beaches to its snow-capped mountains, the nation has quickly become one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Yet two of its most popular destinations are not resorts but places of pilgrimage: the two monasteries of Ostrog and Cetinje.
Saint Vasilije (Basil) of Ostrog was a 17th-century monk who, seeking solace from the world, journeyed to a desolate location in the interior of Montenegro where a stone cliff called Ostroška Greda overlooked an open plain. Making his abode in the cluster of caves within the cliff, in time, a small monastery grew which took on the location’s name: Ostrog. Saint Basil himself became known for his piety and humility, and against his wishes, was elevated to the position of bishop in the Serbian Orthodox Church. Upon his death, he was buried in Ostrog Monastery, where his monks and pilgrims alike venerated his remains. In time, Basil was declared a saint, and his monastery quickly became one of the most important centers of pilgrimage for Orthodox faithful across the region. This tradition continues until the present day, with pilgrims arriving in the thousands for his feast day celebrated on May 12th, as well as throughout the year. The faithful hike from the foot of the cliff some two miles up the steep path hewn out of the stone, and patiently await their turn to venerate the relics of Saint Basil. Many miracles have been reported over the centuries from pilgrims after visiting the monastery. Despite there being no vegetation of any kind, a grape-vine seemingly growing out of the sheer rock on the upper level is also attributed to the miraculous intercessions of Saint Basil.
Not too far away from Ostrog is Cetinje monastery. While a more conventional Montenegrin monastery in terms of its outward presence, its richness lies not in its spectacular views or formidable architecture, but rather its reliquary, containing some of the most precious of all relics in the Balkans. By far, its two most precious relics, carefully guarded by the attendant monks, are pieces of the True Cross, and the right hand of Saint John the Baptist kept in a special glass-covered reliquary. The hand of Saint John the Baptist was brought by members of the Imperial Romanov family in exile following the Russian revolution. The hand, which in turn had been brought from Malta in the late 18th century (and possibly elsewhere in between its arrival to the island state and its departure from the Holy Land), was first placed in Ostrog Monastery but later relocated to Cetinje. Orthodox faithful from many nations come to Montenegro, often for the primary purpose of venerating this relic. The relic was briefly returned to Russia in 2006, where it was venerated by millions of faithful before returning to Cetinje.
Despite its modest size, the country of Montenegro holds many more monasteries as well as scores of picturesque city and village parish churches. So while even the most pious of pilgrims can be forgiven for wanting to enjoy the sun-kissed beaches and crisp mountain air of Montenegro, they will also find themselves amidst a land filled with many sacred treasures of the Orthodox faith.
Be Not Afraid!
Good Shepherd Travel offers trips to Montenegro, Serbia and Belgrade, as well as Rome, Lourdes, Fatima, Ireland, and many other destinations across Europe. And of course, we love Jerusalem and the Holy Land best! For more information on how to begin preparing for a pilgrimage in late 2021 and 2022, contact Tony AbuAita at Tony@goodshepherdtravel.com.