Church of the Ascension of the Lord

The Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Kola, near Banja Luka, is one of the most significant Orthodox shrines in the region. Located in the heart of the Kola parish, it has served as a place of prayer, gathering, and the preservation of the spiritual and cultural identity of the local population for over two centuries. A unique feature of this site is that the church grounds house two sacred structures: the old wooden church, one of the oldest timber temples in the Banja Luka area, and the current stone Church of the Ascension of the Lord.

History of the Kola Parish

The Kola parish is among the oldest Orthodox parishes in the Banja Luka region. By the end of the 19th century, it encompassed more than 220 households and nearly 2,000 believers, which speaks to its great importance for this part of the Krajina region.

The site of the current church grounds originally featured an old wooden church that served as the spiritual center for the village of Kola and surrounding settlements for centuries. It was around this church that the people gathered during the most difficult historical periods, preserving their faith, customs, and sense of community.

Construction of the Current Temple

With the blessing of the Bishop of Banja Luka, Vasilije Popović, construction of the current Church of the Ascension of the Lord began in 1924/1925. The temple was built according to a design originally intended for the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Banja Luka, making it one of the most architecturally valuable rural Orthodox buildings in this part of Republika Srpska.

The church was built from stone quarried by the locals in the immediate vicinity of the village, while sand, lime, and other building materials were delivered through the voluntary labor of the residents. Thanks to the great unity of the people, the temple was completed in 1935, and its consecration brought together more than two thousand believers from Kola, Banja Luka, and surrounding areas.

Faith That Endured Despite Trials

During the Second World War and the post-war period, the church and parish went through numerous trials. Despite pressure from the authorities at the time, the people of Kola remained devoted to their church, regularly gathering for services and preserving their Orthodox traditions.

A particularly memorable event occurred in 1953, when the villagers collectively protected their priest and ensured that services could continue uninterrupted, confirming how vital the church was to their lives.

Renewal and Development of the Parish

Since the 1980s, an intensive restoration of the temple and the entire church complex has been underway. The parish house was renovated, the grounds were landscaped, a church hall was built, and the temple and its interior were repaired.

In 2013, the Kola parish received an exceptional spiritual gift—a piece of the robe of Saint Petka, brought from the Romanian city of Iași, where her holy relics are kept. This event represents one of the most significant moments in the recent history of the parish.

Today, the parish includes the Chapel of the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon, the Chapel of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, a parish house, a church hall, and a space for lighting candles, making the complex an important center for the spiritual and social life of the village.

The Church of the Ascension of the Lord Today

Today, the Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Kola continues its decades-long mission of gathering believers through regular services, baptisms, weddings, memorial services, and major church holidays. Thanks to its rich history, the preserved old wooden church, and numerous renovations, it stands as one of the most significant Orthodox shrines in the Banja Luka region and an essential destination for anyone wishing to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of this area.