Mother of God of Žitomisli ć

Marian vocation of Žitomislić (Herzegovina)

The advocation venerated in Žitomislić is the Presveta Bogorodica - "Most Holy Mother of God" in the Orthodox tradition, associated with the Serbian Orthodox monastery of Žitomislić, in Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Orthodox liturgical tradition places the monastery under the dedication of the Sleeping of the Virgin Maryand its historical presence is understood as part of the eastern Christian continuity in the region.

Main data

Origin and history

The advocation venerated in Žitomislić is the Presveta Bogorodica - "Most Holy Mother of God" in the Orthodox tradition, associated with the Serbian Orthodox monastery of Žitomislić, in Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Orthodox liturgical tradition places the monastery under the dedication of the Sleeping of the Virgin Maryand its historical presence is understood as part of the eastern Christian continuity in the region.

La documented history indicates that the monastery was founded in the 16th centuryon the place of an older church, after obtaining permission from the Ottoman authorities for its construction. It also shows that the set was destroyed and rebuilt on several occasionsespecially during the convulsions of the twentieth century, which today functions as a symbol of the Serbian Orthodox presence in Herzegovina.

A narrative of apariciones or of miraculous origin specific to this advocation in Žitomislić; its relevance is based above all on monastic history, liturgical devotion and memory of the destruction and restoration of the monastery.

The image and the sanctuary

The advocation is venerated under the title of the Holy Mother of God (Presveta Bogorodica) en el Monastery of Žitomisli ć, Serbian Orthodox monastery located in Žitomislić, in the region of Herzegovina. The sources consulted describe the place as a monastic monastery and not as a minor basilica or a national or diocesan Catholic sanctuary; no consta a Catholic classification of that kind.

No precise description of a concrete image - material, measurements, iconography or authorship - associated with this advocation. Therefore, it is only true that veneration focuses on the figure of the Bogorodica within the temple dedicated to the Sleep of the Virgin, according to Orthodox liturgical use.

Sponsorship and coronation

No consta un patronazgo official Catholic of the city, municipality, diocese or nation for this advocation. Its importance is mainly monastic and regionaland the religious memory of the Serbian Orthodox community in Herzegovina.

No consta una documented canonical coronation.

Party and devotion

The main feast, for the dedication of the monastery to the Sleep of the Virginis held around the August 15 in the Orthodox liturgical calendar; this date corresponds to the Sleep / Assumption according to the Eastern tradition, although the sources consulted do not detail a specific local festive program for Žitomislić.

The devotion around the monastery is expressed above all in the destruction and reconstruction, in the visit to the monastic enclosure and in its value as a sign of spiritual continuity. The sources consulted do not provide reliable data on inflow of pilgrims, number of visitors or specific popular traditions; therefore, these extremes no constan.

Link to the Rosary

There is no specific and documented historical link between this advocation of Žitomislić and the prayer of the Rosary, which is a typically Catholic practice. In a general Marian framework, the Rosary can accompany all devotion to the Mother of God as meditation of the mysteries of Christ with Mary, but in this case it is appropriate to maintain the distinction between spirituality Catholic of the Rosary and the veneration orthodox de la Bogorodica en Žitomislić.