The feast of Vidovdan at the Hilandar Monastery

At the Holy Monastery of Hilandar, the feast of the monastery’s benefactor, Saint Martyr Prince Lazar, and all the Holy Martyrs of Kosovo (Vidovdan) was solemnly and prayerfully celebrated.

The Very Reverend Archimandrite Methodius, Abbot of the Hilandar Monastery, served the all-night vigil and the Divine Liturgy.

Toward the end of the Liturgy, a koliva was blessed, followed by a festive meal.

This year, as in the past twelve, Vidovdan at the Hilandar monastery was marked not only by the solemnity and unique spirituality that follow Athonite all-night services, but also by an additional emotional and ceremonial atmosphere thanks to the members of the “Guardians of Christ’s Tomb” society from Batajnica, Belgrade.

This tradition originated in Vrlika, 30 kilometers south of Knin. The guarding of Christ’s Tomb is an ancient custom observed only in Jerusalem and Vrlika, a small town in North Dalmatia between Dinara and Svilaja mountains.

Exact records of the origin of the custom have not been found in historical sources, but according to the oral tradition, the custom has existed for at least 400 years. This undoubtedly long tradition is woven into the Orthodox custom, which was most likely brought to Vrlika from Jerusalem. The guardians enter the church dressed in the traditional folk costume of the mentioned region, led by a harambaša (leader), where two guards take their positions to the north and the south of Christ’s Tomb. Guard shifts are frequent; the guardians walk through the church unobtrusively, in firm piety, taking their positions and looking intently at the Holy Epitaphios. Their movements are not synchronized with the movements of the clergy. This custom stemmed from heartfelt folk piety and does not disrupt the harmony of church service but rather enhances the Liturgy with elements of warrior dignity.

Immediately before the start of Vespers, a memorial service was held at the Hilandar Monastery for all the Kosovo warriors from 1389 to the present day.

A special guest of the monastic brethren was renowned actor, director, and producer Mel Gibson, who came to the Holy Serbian Imperial Lavra of Hilandar on the eve of the feast of Vidovdan. He spent the feast day with the Hilandar brethren, shared monastic meals, and attended church services.

Photo by monk Milutin Hilandarac and David Pavlović