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Bishop Sergije visits Diocese of Timok and celebrates Liturgy at Bukovo Monastery

September 4, 2026 · 1 min read

Bishop Sergije of Bihać and Petrovac visited the Diocese of Timok on September 2, 2026, where he was welcomed by Metropolitan Ilarion of Timok at Vratna Monastery.

During his visit, Bishop Sergije also toured the Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles in Negotin and the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, known as the Old Church. Together with Metropolitan Ilarion, he paid respects at the grave of renowned Serbian hero Hajduk Veljko Petrović, located beside the church.

The following day, on the feast of Saint Rafailo of Šišatovac, Bishop Sergije presided over the Divine Liturgy at Bukovo Monastery, concelebrated by Metropolitan Ilarion and clergy.

Metropolitan Ilarion noted that an icon of Saint Rafailo was displayed for veneration at the monastery for the first time. He recalled that the saint had spent two years at Bukovo Monastery, where he devoted himself to prayer and iconography, and said that he could therefore also fittingly be called “Rafailo of Bukovo.”

Bishop Sergije thanked Metropolitan Ilarion for his fraternal hospitality and spoke about the many holy martyrs associated with the Diocese of Bihać and Petrovac and ongoing…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Aleksandra Kaczmarek

I am glad that Bishop Sergije was in Bukowo just for the feast of St. Rafaila. It's nice that they put his icon on display there for worship for the first time - since he lived and painted there for two years, he can really be called "Rafailo from Bukowo". Thank you for reminding me of this small but important detail.

Христо Христов

Interestingly, the icon of St. Raphael was exhibited for the first time precisely on his feast day in Bukovo. He lived there for two years, prayed and painted - it makes sense that he was also called "Rafailo from Bukovo". Thanks for the news, it's good to hear about such connections between dioceses.

Николай Атанасов

Yes, exactly on his holiday to show it for the first time - as if on purpose. I am interested in whether some of the icons he painted then remained in Bukovo, or whether everything was moved elsewhere. Thanks for the news too, Christo.

Иванка Стоянова

Interestingly, it was precisely on his holiday that she was taken out for the first time - as if she had been waiting for this day. Two years in Bukovo is not a little, he must have left traces in the garden around the monastery as he prayed. Thank you, Christ, I also enjoy such connections between dioceses.

Елена Петкова

Interesting observation, Nikolai – it really looks like they've been waiting for this very day. I also wonder if some of his icons remain in Bukovo, especially after he spent two years there. Thank you for sharing, I would appreciate it if any of the Timok brothers know more.

Васил Стефанов

Yes, Nikolay, I also got the impression that it was on his holiday that they took it out for the first time - as if they had been waiting. I wonder if any of his icons are still standing in Bukovo or have they been moved to Šishatovac. If anyone from Timok knows, let me know.