Moštanica Monastery

Moštanica Monastery is one of the most significant Orthodox monasteries in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located on the northern slopes of Mount Kozara, about twelve kilometers from Kozarska Dubica.

History of the monastery

The history of the monastery is very rich and complex. According to tradition, Moštanica Monastery dates back to 1111 and is considered an endowment of the famous Nemanjić dynasty, specifically Stefan Nemanja, while some traditions also link it to King Dragutin Nemanjić, who ruled these lands.

The first written record of the monastery comes from the book "Otačnik", which was written during the time of Abbot Grigorije in 1579, and is kept today at the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos.

According to one tradition:

"All Serbian archbishops, including Saint Sava, held divine services at Moštanica Monastery. Furthermore, it contained gifts and memorials from all Serbian rulers. However, all of this was lost over time because this old Serbian monastery was frequently burned and looted, and whatever valuables were found within it were plundered and taken away."

Suffering and restoration

Due to its great spiritual and historical significance, the monastery has suffered frequently throughout the centuries. According to monastic tradition, Moštanica has been destroyed ten times, but thanks to the persistence of the monks and the faithful, it was rebuilt time and time again.

The last major tragedy occurred in 1953, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, when communists attacked the believers and priests, and subsequently burned the monastery's books, icons, banners, and other valuables. Following this event, the monastery remained neglected for the next six years.

A major restoration began in 1959, during the time of the Bishops of Banja Luka Vasilije (Kostić) and Andrej (Frušić). Just two years later, in 1961, Moštanica became a convent for the first time in its history.

Restoration of the monastery complex

Abbot Vasilije (Kvrgić) , together with the sisterhood, invested great effort into the arrangement and construction of the monastery complex.

Over the following decades, numerous significant works were carried out:

• in 1972 – a new residence was built;
• the monastery farm was restored;
• a stone wall was built around the monastery;
• 2002 – a bell tower with a chapel dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrogwas built in the monastery courtyard;
• 2005 – the monastery residence was extended;
• 2007–2012 – a complete restoration of the monastery church was carried out.

The restoration of the church was a particularly significant period, as it gave the monastery complex a more orderly appearance and created better conditions for its spiritual and daily life.

A new chapter in the life of the monastery

Abbot Vasilije (Kvrgić) passed away on December 18, 2020. He was succeeded by the current abbot, Sergej (Antić).

Under his leadership, work on the improvement and development of the monastery complex continued. A winter church dedicated to Saint Deacon Avakumwas built, as well as monastery library with an office, while the renovation of the dormitory has also begun.

The current sisterhood consists of three nuns: Reverend Nun Evgenija (Dragičević), Reverend Nun Teodora (Tošić), and Reverend Nun Angelina (Apostolovska), led by the Very Reverend Abbot, Protosyncellus Sergej (Antić).

Moštanica as a source for other monasteries

The spiritual history of Moštanica is not limited to its own complex. Two other significant monasteries originated from this monastery – Lepavina and Komogovina, which were founded by monks from Moštanica fleeing the Turks.

The monastery has also produced two saints – Saint Deacon Avakum and Saint Teodor of Moštanica, through which its spiritual legacy transcends the boundaries of the monastery itself and connects to the broader history of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

A beacon of Orthodox spirituality

Throughout the centuries, Moštanica has been attacked by many armies, hardships, and infidels, yet it has proudly and steadfastly endured and outlived all those tribulations.

Its history is a history of constant renewal, construction, elevation, and resurrectionEach new tragedy left its mark, but at the same time, it created a new reason to restore the monastery and preserve it for future generations.

Today, Moštanica Monastery stands as one of the most important centers of Orthodox spirituality in the Potkozarje region and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its centuries-old tradition, history of suffering, and repeated restorations bear witness to the strength of faith and the perseverance of the people who have guarded it throughout the ages.

Moštanica continues to endure today as a beacon of Saint Sava's legacy, Serbian national identity, and Orthodox spirituality.

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