Strumica – hiding a 1000 years old world heritage
„Since I have placed my entire hope in You, O immaculate Mother and fountain of mercy, I, a shepherd, monk Manuel, Your servant, offer to You, Sovereign Lady, this church”
That is what the founder, Episcope Manuel, wrote on the marble plaque on the entrance of the – Monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos Eleusa. Founded almost 1000 years ago, ever since today’s Strumica was called Tiveriopol, many people won’t count this monastery as one of the main Macedonian tourist attractions. But if one is truly familiar with the culture and the history of this region he/she would be aware of the invaluable importance of this mid century monument.
Located on a small hill in Strumica’s village Veljusa, this monastery is open daily, for everybody who wants to visit. No entrance ticket, no crowds, just less than 3€ private taxi ride or 10 minutes driving from the center of the city.
What makes it truly unique are it’s outstanding characteristics:
- the original Macedonian-Byzantine architecture from the ancient 11th century;
- Veljusa’s cross – first represented on the facade of the monastery and later (to this day) used as a symbol of the Macedonian Orthodox Church;
- and most importantly, the incredibly beautiful mural that survived the flames of the fire that once burned the interior of the monastery. That mural shows Jesus as a 12 years old child, and it is one of only six of it’s kind – worldwide. Taking photos of it is not allowed, but everybody is welcomed to see it with their own eyes.
There are many words that could somehow describe the peaceful silence and deep tranquility that unobtrusively posses the space there. But none will be as good as one minute spent in the wide, carefully arranged monastery yard. You won’t even notice how you start whispering instead of speaking aloud, only to not disturb the extraordinary balance of the sounds of nature: the wind, the birds, and the leaves of the trees.
The clock tower, set above the picturesque village of Veljusa, quietly shows the passage of time, which visitors can hardly feel when enjoying the view in front of them. From up there, it is hard to believe that the monastery is located above one of the largest Strumica villages, and not above a lonely hill in an untouched nature.
The monastery is older even than the famous cathedral – Notre Dame, but over there you will not find hundreds of tourists looking for the perfect angle to take a good photo. On the contrary, the chances are great that a visitor will enjoy the privilege of sharing the space only with the 10 nuns who live there. Spending their days in prayer and work on their monastic duties, they will kindly welcome you to the monastery and answer your question if you politely ask. Made by their own hands, in a little area in the monastery, you will find: monastery liqueur from healing herbs, variety of natural teas from the local area, soaps with essential oils, hand-drawn icons etc.
If stress is part of your everyday life, this place could be your hidden spot where you can rest your thoughts and, at least for a few brief moments, enjoy the absolute tranquility.
