State funding of 72 million dinars for the restoration of the Monastery of St. Prohor of Pčinja

Following reports published in various media outlets (N1, Jugpress, Vranje News, and others) concerning the allocation by the Government of the Republic of Serbia of 72,000,000.00 dinars to the Orthodox Eparchy of Vranje, the Orthodox Eparchy of Vranje wishes to state the following:

The funds allocated to the Orthodox Eparchy of Vranje are “earmarked” and are intended for the protection, restoration and reconstruction of the Old Konak, that is, the Bishop’s Residence of Vranje, which is located within the complex of the Monastery of Saint Prohor of Pčinja and was built in the mid-19th century. The Konak of Vranje is a unique monument of Serbian vernacular architecture of that period, whose significance extends beyond the borders of Serbia.

Since 1950, the Monastery of Saint Prohor of Pčinja has been designated a cultural monument of exceptional importance and, as such, is under the protection of the Serbian state and receives its support. Since 2023, preparations have been under way for the protection, reconstruction and restoration of this particular Konak, with the completion of all the necessary preparatory work (urban planning and design documentation), as well as the…