St. Petka Church Kuljani

The Church of Saint Petka in Kuljani is one of the most significant modern Orthodox shrines in the Banja Luka area. Located in the Kuljani settlement, this temple serves as a place of prayer, gathering, and spiritual life for the large number of believers living in this part of the city today. Built through the collective efforts of parishioners, donors, and the Eparchy of Banja Luka, the Church of Saint Petka has become a symbol of renewal, faith, and hope for the many families who found a new home in Kuljani following the war.

Today, this shrine is not only a place of worship but also a recognizable spiritual and cultural center that brings together Orthodox believers from Kuljani, Tunjice, and surrounding settlements through its programs and activities.

History of the Kuljani Parish

The Kuljani Parish was established in 2003 with the blessing of His Grace, the Bishop of Banja Luka, Jefrem. It was formed to meet the need of the large number of Orthodox families who settled in Kuljani after the war, providing them with their own parish and a place for regular liturgical life.

The parish today consists of the Kuljani settlement and part of Tunjice, with parishioners hailing from as many as 41 municipalities across Republika Srpska, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Republic of Croatia. For this reason, the parish stands as a unique example of unity among people of diverse backgrounds, connected by the same faith and a shared desire to preserve Orthodox traditions.

The site where the temple now stands was once neglected land overgrown with forest and brush. Thanks to the vision, hard work, and dedication of the clergy and the faithful, this space has been transformed into a well-maintained church courtyard and a spiritual center for the community.

Construction of the Church of Saint Petka

Construction of the temple began in 2006, when the foundations were consecrated and building work commenced with the blessing of Bishop Jefrem. Over the following years, the temple gradually took on its final appearance.

By 2010, the structural work was completed, the temple was roofed, and three church bells were consecrated. The solemn consecration of the Church of Saint Petka took place in 2012, when the temple was opened for prayer to the faithful. The temple was built thanks to voluntary contributions from parishioners, business owners, and numerous benefactors who supported the construction of this shrine.

Development of the Parish

Following the completion of the temple, work continued on the entire church complex.

Between 2014 and 2017, a spacious parish hall was built and the church courtyard was landscaped. From 2018 to 2019, the Church of Saint Archangel Michael was built at the Training Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, dedicated to the memory of the 782 fallen members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska.

Between 2019 and 2021, a new parish house was constructed, while the construction of the Holy Trinity Chapel at the Kuljani cemetery was completed between 2022 and 2025.

Together, these facilities form a unique spiritual complex that today represents one of the most active Orthodox centers in the northern part of Banja Luka.

Sacred Relics Housed in the Temple

The Church of Saint Petka holds special value due to the sacred relics kept within it, which the faithful approach with great reverence.

Among the most significant relics is a piece of cloth—a pillowcase that, according to tradition, was beneath the head of Saint Petka—which the parish received as a gift from Romania.

The temple also houses an exceptionally valuable icon of the Most Holy Theotokos made of white and yellow gold, brought from Mount Athos, as well as an icon of Saint Nektarios of Aegina from the island of Aegina, and an icon of Saint Lazarus the Four-Days-Dead brought from Cyprus.

These sacred items serve as a special place of prayer for numerous believers who come from Banja Luka and other parts of Republika Srpska.

Archpriest Miroslav Malinović

Since the parish was founded, spiritual life has been led by Archpriest Miroslav Malinović, who has served here for over two decades. Under his leadership, the church, parish hall, parish house, and the Holy Trinity Chapel were built, as well as the Church of St. Archangel Michael at the Ministry of Internal Affairs Training Center of the Republika Srpska.

His many years of work have left a strong mark on the development of the Kuljani Parish, which today stands as an example of a harmonious and active church community.

Hours and Contact

The Church of St. Petka is open to visitors every day from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, except on Wednesdays.

The church gates remain open to visitors:

• winter season – until 7:00 PM,
• summer season – until 9:30 PM.

Contact phone: 065/609-275

Archpriest: Miroslav Malinović.

The Church of St. Petka Today

Today, the Church of St. Petka in Kuljani is much more than a place of worship. It is a place where holy services, baptisms, weddings, memorial services, and other church rites are held, but also a space where families gather, fellowship is nurtured, and Orthodox tradition is preserved.

For visitors to Banja Luka, as well as the many believers who come from other parts of the Republika Srpska, the Church of St. Petka in Kuljani is a place of peace, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Through its development, rich spiritual content, and significance to the local community, this church holds a special place among the Orthodox shrines of the Banja Luka region.