Monastery splendor and spirit

Travelling up some beautiful green canyons speckled with garbage, we arrived to Bigorski Monastery. This place is treasured by our Macedonian friends we were on route to visit, so we took their advice.

Bigorski was founded in 1020, and today is home to monks who are glowing with joy. Our friend Petar came all the way from Skopje to give us a tour of the Monastery where he lived for a year and also got married. Through his eyes, we were able to feel a small flavour of the peace and beauty of monastic life.

To add to the specialness of the day, Petar took us to Bigorski's sister church, Monastery of St. George the Victorious, where they were hosting a religious celebration. The small church was animated with people in prayer, candles, holy water, and more. The courtyard held the overflow and communion. Everyone seemed to know Petar and were so happy to see him. He kindly introduced us again and again as his Canadian friends. A meal was served to all the attendees.Read more