A Prayer for a Successful Grape Harvest in Hilandar Monastery

On August 14th, a prayer service was held in the vineyard of Hilandar Monastery for a prosperous start to the grape harvest.

Abbot Metodije, accompanied by Hierodeacon Hariton, blessed the grapevines covering 17 hectares in the field of Saint Sava.

In the monastery’s vineyard, the monks cultivate Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, from which they produce high-quality red and rosé wines. The winery is located right by the seacoast.

An interesting fact is that there is no blessing to eat the grapes until the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord when they are consecrated and distributed to the faithful after the liturgy. From the Transfiguration onward, the grapes are placed on the brethren’s table three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.