Saint Roman of Đunis feast day celebrated at historic monastery

The Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates the feast day of Saint Roman of Đunis on August 29. The holiday is observed across all Orthodox churches, with particular emphasis on the Saint Roman Monastery located near the village of Đunis on the right bank of the South Morava river.

The monastery, which belongs to the Niš Diocese, is considered one of the oldest in Serbia, with historical records dating back to the 11th century and traditions suggesting origins as early as the 9th or 10th century. The site is known for its unique stone bell tower and its history as a place where people sought healing for mental and physical ailments.

Believers visit the monastery to pray before the relics of Saint Roman and to drink from its holy spring, which is believed to have healing properties. The late Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović described the saint as a ‘earthly angel and heavenly man’ in a prayer dedicated to him.