08.08.2025.
Minister Gašić attends consecration of Saint Petka Church on Jastrebac
Today, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended the consecration of the Church of Saint Petka, located in the village of Buci on Jastrebac Mountain.
The recently renovated church, which dates back to the middle ages, was consecrated by His Grace David, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Kruševac, in concelebration with the clergy of the Diocese of Kruševac.
On this occasion, Archbishop David awarded the Order of the Diocese of Kruševac – Cross of Saint Prince Lazar, 1st Class, to Minister Gašić, in recognition of “his loyalty and active love for the Mother Church and his exceptional contribution to the reconstruction of the Church of Saint Petka”.
Following the consecration ceremony, a festive meal was hosted in honour of the church’s patron saint – Saint Petka the Martyr. This year’s host of the celebration was Minister Gašić.
The Church of Saint Petka is regarded as a site of great sanctity dating back to the medieval period. Among the local people, it is traditionally known as “Gračanica” – a name deeply rooted in oral tradition. According to one legend, the name originated when monks fled from the original Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo and Metohija and found refuge in this church. Another tradition holds that it was named Gračanica after the medieval town of Gradac, which is located nearby. The original church was demolished and rebuilt several times throughout history. During a previous restoration in 1935, bricks were discovered that were identical to those used in the construction of the Lazarica Church, highlighting a connection between the two sanctuaries.
PHOTOGALLERY
VIDEOGALLERY08.08.2025
mp4 (265,84 MB)Consecration of the Church of Saint Petka
