A shrine near Krupanj, surrounded by centuries-old linden trees, is the pearl of the Drina Valley
Thanks to the efforts of the archpriest-staurophore Aleksandar Djurdjev, the church yard houses museum exhibits that testify to the past of the people of this region
The Church of the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God Dobri Potok is located only a kilometer away from Krupanj, near a cemetery which is believed to be one of the oldest in Serbia.
The second part of the church's name is after the settlement of Dobri Potok, according to a Turkish census from the beginning of the 16th century.
This shrine, surrounded by centuries-old linden trees, is one of the oldest wooden churches in the Drina Valley (Serbian: Podrinje). Despite being severely damaged several times, its authentic appearance has been preserved.
There are three crosses on each of the large and small gates, while a memorial plaque dedicated to Serbian ruler Milos Obrenovic is under the smaller gate.
The yard of the shrine has been turned into a spiritual and cultural center. In addition to the church, there are also museums dedicated to old crafts, hunting and beekeeping, as well as two chapels - one dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr Procopius, and the other to the Holy Mother Paraskeva.
Every year on St. Peter's Day, the Petrovdan Assembly is held in the church park. The main event is the traditional kolo dance, when the most skilled young man and woman are gifted a ducat.
Photo: Ivan Strahinic
(Ona.rs)