ARCHIMANDRITE METODIJE: RESTORATION OF HILANDAR MONASTERY NEARING COMPLETION

MRKONJIĆ GRAD, AUGUST 3 /SRNA/ – The Abbot of Hilandar Monastery, Archimandrite Metodije, has told SRNA today that the restoration of this holy site, which was struck by fire in 2004, is nearing completion, with interior work currently underway on the last of the burned mansions.

"The monastery has also been renewed in the sense that the brotherhood has grown significantly. We now have 50 monks and ten novices in Hilandar who are preparing for monastic vows, and we strive to live according to the rule of Saint Sava," said Archimandrite Metodije. Abbot reminded that Hilandar is one of the 20 Orthodox monasteries on Mount Athos, but that all there live as one brotherhood, celebrating patron saint days, holidays, and other festivities together. Archimandrite Metodije co-celebrated the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy today at the Church of Saint Sava in Mrkonjić Grad, marking the beginning of the event "Days of Hilandar." Marko Romić, othe chair f the Republika Srpska Government’s Commission for Hilandar Monastery, stated that the visit of the Hilandar abbot, Father Metodije, is a great and special joy for everyone in Republika Srpska. "The prayerful support of Hilandar Monastery means that everything will turn out well for the Serb people and Republika Srpska," Romić added.