The latest archaeological research conducted at the Pustinja Monastery near Prijepolje has revealed a historical truth that changes previous knowledge. Although it had been believed for decades that the monastery was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, archaeologists have discovered a lead seal bearing the image of Saint Simeon the Myrrh-Streaming, confirming that the monastery is actually dedicated to this saint.
Detailed archaeological examinations are currently being carried out at the site, funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia. The project is being implemented by the Museum in Prijepolje, with the support of the Mileševa Diocese and the local government.
“We received significant funds for the continuation of research that began last year. The discovered seal clearly indicates that the monastery is dedicated to Saint Simeon the Myrrh-Streaming, which is an extraordinary discovery for our region and for Serbian church history,” said Zvonko Mandić, director of the Museum in Prijepolje, for the RINA agency.
Archaeologist Tijana Pušica added that this year’s excavations confirmed the previous dating of the site to the 17th century, but also uncovered additional rooms and objects of great significance. “We explored a new part of the complex, found a lot of pottery, metal objects, and coins. The next step is the conservation of the walls to prevent further collapse,” Pušica emphasized.
The monastery was also visited by Metropolitan Atanasije of Mileševa, the president of the Prijepolje municipality Drago Popadić, and the museum director, who expressed their support for the continuation of the research. “I am glad that I was here when these were ruins, and now I witness its renewal. Pustinja is no longer a desert,” said Popadić.
The works will continue next year, and the goal is for this spiritual and cultural treasure to be fully researched, protected, and presented to the public.
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Source: Telegraf; Foto: turizamprijepolje.co.rs