Sv, Bogorodica Eleusa, s, Veljusa, strumicko, Republika Makedonija

Not far from the church in Vodoca, on a little hill above the Veljusa village in the vicinity of Strumica is an old church with an overnight shelter by the name of St.Mary Mother of God Eleusa. The picturesque nature, the panoramic view to the Strumica field, the village idyllic surrounding perfectly fulfil the beauty contained in its magnificent architecture, the painted frescoes, mosaic floors as well as the marble iconostasis that has been standing for a long time behind one made out of wood.

The monastery church Sv. Bogorodica (Holy Mother of God), village of Veljusa

This cultural monument dates from the 11th century, and a proof for that is the marble plate with a few words from the founder of the church, Manojlo the bishop of Strumica, as well as the year when it was built, 1080. The plate with the writings, as well as the many priceless icons from this church are no longer on the places where they were set up. During WWI this church, as well as many others in Macedonia, suffered a great injustice. Besides the barbaric plundering, the church was also set on fire, but was not totally burnt. We can see this by the darkened frescoes on the wall. Soon the church was renovated and new frescoes were drawn.

The only, completely preserved composition from the time when the church was originally built in the 11th century is the Coming down from hell, where a detail with two devils is presented and it is very rare to meet in our country. There are also others, partially sustained compositions from that period. In the altar apse figures of the four archpriests were found set up in a frontal attitude and profile, and Mary mother of God with Jesus Christ. Before the entrance of the altar fragments of a floor mosaic can be seen. Specially interesting are the frescoes of the saints Onufrius and Panfnutius from the 12th century, and near them is situated the famous Cross of Veljusa - the only of its kind in the world.

The monastery church in Veljusa is a silent witness about the life and the destiny of the Macedonian people and its national and cultural wealth throughout the history. Today, in the monastery overnight shelter rooms of the St.Mary mother of God Eleusa church live a few female monks that take care of the church and the church property at the same time.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction of the content or any of its parts or any modification, in any form or by any method, known or yet to be invented, for any use besides private, without prior written permission by the authors is prohibited.