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BIGORSKI MONASTERY "ST JOHN THE BAPTIST"

DEBAR, NORTH MACEDONIA

Bigorski monastery is an Orthodox monastery situated in the Western part of Republic Macedonia on the shore of Radika river. In the past it was part of the Ohrid archibishopric, today is partg of Debar-Kichevo diocese. The wooden iconostasis is considered to be among the most beautiful ones in the Orthodox world. The monastery is devoted to St John the Baptist and the name Bigorski comes from the specific rock of the region. The monastery was founded in 1020 from the monk John Debarski. The monastery was reconstructed in XVIII c. The nowadays church is from XIXc. The north building is built in 1814 and the dining room in 1825. Master Peter Filipov, supported by his brother and other friends carved the wooden iconostasis for about 6 years in the 30s of XIX c. The archibishopric throne is also made by them. The icons are painted by Michael and his son from the local Debar school of art. The monastery is important sacred place for Christians from the surrounding area. Unfortunately in 2009 a fire burnt part of the kitchen, library, monk's cells and other important buildings.