The Feast of Vidovdan at the Hilandar Monastery

The brethren of the Holy Imperial Serbian Lavra of Hilandar on Mount Athos solemnly and prayerfully celebrated its benefactor’s feast day—the feast of the Saint Great Martyr Prince Lazar.

The celebration of the benefactor’s feast began with an all-night vigil and was concluded with the Divine Liturgy in the Hilandar Monastery’s Catholicon, after which a festive meal was served in the monastery refectory for all those present.

This year, as in the past thirteen, 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 oral tradition, it has existed for at least 400 years. This undoubtedly long tradition is woven into 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), who is followed by two guardians who take their positions to the north and south of Christ’s Tomb. Guardian 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.

The feast was also attended by professors and students of the ‘Saint Three Hierarchs’ Theological Seminary from the Krka Monastery, who traditionally visit the Hilandar brethren on Vidovdan.

Tonight, immediately before the start of Vespers, a memorial service will be held at the Hilandar Monastery for all the Kosovo-Metohija warriors from 1389 to the present day.

Photo by: monk Milutin Hilandarac