St Archangels Monastery

 

Just five kilometres from the border with Croatia and a small town Šid lays St Archangels monastery a home for more than a dozen nuns and two monks.

At first I thought it was complete coincidence I found myself at their doors on December 2019. where I've spent a month after just one month thinking of becoming a nun myself there too.

It's a quiet life full of hope in afterlife and giving in this one we are living now each feeling a strong connection with God not only through prayers but through every day life.

Most of the nuns are widows finding peace here after they had their families with few young ones even younger than me.

Father Macarius is managing entire compound and talking with guests visiting each day this beautiful place coming here for various reasons.

Some come asking for healing, others a safe retreat, some are on tour through most of 21 Frankish (Fruška) mountain monasteries while many come lured by this beautiful place.

Each day begins in 4 o'clock in the morning as the first prayers beging at 04:45 and last until half past seven when all join for breakfast after which everyone is given a chore to do until 16:00 when everyone has lunch.

Prayers begin at 16:45 and again last until half past 19 o'clock.

During each day each nun is obligated to read the book of psalms named Psaltir and special prayers named Akatists.

Bed retreat starts at 20:00 o'clock when you can retreat to your room.

It's different on Sunday when service starts at 7 o'clock as of the locals coming to the service in the morning but in for the lunch at 16:00 when Father Macarius has his other service speaking stories from the book of Psalms or Akatists trying to explain these stories as simple as possible as of the children coming here with their families to understand.

Best time to visit is between 09:00 and 15:00 o'clock unless you got approved to sleep in the visiting house meant for those seeking healing.

I've spent my first two weeks at visiting quarters just beside the church of St George before moving in at my 'cell' I was to share with another nun.

I was glad to be accepted as a 'trial nun' or 'iskušenica' as newly nuns are named. Each trial period is different and lasts differently depending on the nun herself reaching that level of serenity and connection with God as why often people say they are married with God. I still do not feel that much connection and I've learned for the month spent there I would love to have children and family of my own. That being the reason of my return home.

For me it was a wonderful experience and since I felt a different kind of serenity than before the visit.

Monastery has electricity, water supply and internet connection just beside the village Privina Glava.

I would suggest visiting St Paul and Peter church at Berkasovo on your way to St Archangels monastery too.

A Branković dynasty monastery St Archangels was rebuilt many times throughout history, at the moment a library and new quarters meant for men are being built behind two walls that surround the monastery itself. 

It lacks front gate and that is the next thing monastery is to invest in from the donations it's getting and from Serbian Orthodox church it is a part of.

Kapija je demolirana, a tek ćemo da vidimo ko će i koliko brzo da je opravi - kaže dr Bojan Popović, rukovodilac Galerije fresaka za "Novosti". - Crkva Svetog Spasa je tipična vlastelinska zadužbina, koju je podigao rodonačelnik Brankovića. Naime, sagradio ju je 1330. velmoža Mladen Vladojević i 1348. priložio manastiru Sveti Arhangeli, zadužbini cara Dušana. NJegov sin je bio Branko Mladenović, od koga je potekla dinastija Brankovića. Crkva Svetog Spasa je mala, skladna i uzana, sa jednom kupolom u kome je bio ispisan 102. psalm. Tu je bio niz anđela koji okružuju Bogorodicu u čelu kupole. To je bilo umetničko delo. Crkva je građena od opeke i kamena, u srpsko-vizantijskom stilu. U njoj nije moglo da se predstavi išta više od onog što je u većini crkava neophodno, a to su veliki praznici i delovi ciklusa Hristovog stradanja

**Monastery Privina Glava** (also spelled *Prvina Glava*) is a Serbian Orthodox monastery located in the **Vojvodina** region of northern Serbia, specifically near the town of **Senta**, in the **Bačka** area. It is an important religious and historical site for the Serbian Orthodox Church. 

Here are some key facts about the monastery:

### 1. **Location**

   - **Privina Glava** is situated in the northern part of Serbia, near the town of **Senta**, which is in the Vojvodina province. The monastery is located along the **Tisa River**, making it a peaceful and serene place for worship and reflection.

### 2. **Foundation and History**

   - The monastery is believed to have been founded in the 12th century, though its exact foundation date is somewhat unclear. According to tradition, it was established by **Saint Prvoslav**, who is often associated with the site's name (*Privina* is a reference to this figure).

   - The monastery had a significant religious role during the **Middle Ages**, but it faced various challenges, including invasions and periods of decline, especially during the Ottoman period, which led to its temporary abandonment.

### 3. **Saint Prvoslav and the Name**

   - The name "Privina Glava" translates to "Prvoslav's Head," referring to **Saint Prvoslav**, who is believed to have been a prominent figure in the foundation of the monastery. There are various legends and local stories about Saint Prvoslav, which add to the spiritual significance of the site.

### 4. **Religious Significance**

   - **Privina Glava** has remained an important center of Orthodox Christian worship in the region. The monastery is dedicated to the **Dormition of the Theotokos**, the feast that celebrates the death and assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

   - It serves as a spiritual retreat for Orthodox Christians, with many pilgrims visiting the monastery to attend services, pray, and seek solace.

### 5. **Monastic Life**

   - Today, the monastery operates as an active **monastic community**, with monks who dedicate themselves to prayer, meditation, and the upkeep of the monastery. The monks follow traditional Orthodox monastic practices and help maintain the religious and cultural heritage of the region.

### 6. **Architecture**

   - The **architecture** of the monastery reflects the typical Byzantine and Serbian medieval styles. Over the centuries, the building has undergone several renovations, but it has retained its spiritual atmosphere and historical significance.

   - The monastery complex includes the **church**, which is the main building for worship, and a variety of smaller structures for monastic life and visitor accommodations.

### 7. **Cultural Heritage**

   - **Privina Glava** is not just a place of worship but also a site of **cultural heritage**, preserving important manuscripts, icons, and relics of the past. The monastery has historically been an important center for **Serbian Orthodox culture**, contributing to the development of Serbian spirituality and art.

### 8. **Tourism and Pilgrimage**

   - The monastery is a popular destination for both **pilgrims** and **tourists**. Visitors come to admire the peaceful surroundings, explore the historical sites, and experience the monastic lifestyle. The monastery also hosts cultural events and celebrations, particularly around religious holidays.

### 9. **Restoration Efforts**

   - Over the years, there have been efforts to **restore** and **preserve** the monastery, especially after periods of neglect. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in maintaining the monastery as a significant historical and religious landmark.

### 10. **The Annual Pilgrimage**

   - Every year, the monastery hosts an **annual pilgrimage** in honor of the **Dormition of the Theotokos** (August 28th). This is one of the most important events at the monastery, attracting Orthodox Christians from across the region.

In summary, **Monastery Privina Glava** is a beautiful and historically rich religious site in Vojvodina, Serbia. Its long history, spiritual significance, and serene location make it an important center for both local believers and visitors interested in Serbian culture and Orthodox Christianity.