MONASTERY KLISINA: THE SPIRITUAL FLAME OF ORTHODOXY BY THE SANA RIVER

On the banks of the Sana River, which cuts through fertile plains, the history of a monastery and a people has been inscribed.

PHOTO: Manastir Klisina

Cold winds have relentlessly tried to extinguish the flame of faith, seeking to snuff it out forever. Yet, even when it seemed to flicker and weaken, the flame would reignite, illuminating the Monastery Klisina and guiding the Serbian Orthodox people.

In 1942, the wooden church was looted and burned by Muslim Ustaše forces. However, the villagers of Ništavci, despite the great suffering endured by the Serbian people, never forgot the bell that had been acquired with great sacrifice in Belgrade in 1926.

Determined to preserve it, they salvaged the bell from the ruins, transported it using ox-drawn carts, and submerged it in the Sana River. Thanks to their bravery, it remained hidden and preserved until the end of the war.

Monastery Klisina is located along the main road between Prijedor and Sanski Most.

Dedicated to Saint Marina, known among the people as Ognjena Marija (Fiery Mary), the monastery stands on the site of an ancient monastic settlement, continuing its legacy of faith and resilience.