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Decani Monastery Relief Fund, Inc. USA My fifth pilgrimage to Kosovo/Metohija Beloved in Christ our Lord, May our Gracious God always bless you and ever shine His Luminous Face upon you! I will make my fifth pilgrimage to Kosovo/Metohija during the last week in June and the first week of July, 2009. The Decani Monastery Relief Fund must continue to offer assistance because so many people there are still greatly in need. For this reason I once again appeal to you, my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, and beseech you to continue to support these worthy souls through our...

A picturesque valley in the western province of Kosovo is home to the largest and most urgently preserved monastery in Serbia. The 14th century Visoki Decani monastery has not only survived the passage of time but also the ravages of war. Even though around half the Serb population fled a wave of revenge attacks after the war, the 100,000 who stayed are still targeted by sporadic violence. Stoning of police and attacks on individuals are not uncommon. In 1998, Slobodan Milosevic, who was president at the time, led troops against Albanian forces in an effort to reclaim parts of Kosovo....

One of the most important cultural treasures in Kosovo is the Decani Monastery, the largest of all surviving medieval Balkan churches. The 14th century Orthodox church was recently added to UNESCO's world heritage list. On a forested hillside in western Kosovo, it is a simple stone church with graceful arches and a small dome. It was completed in 1335 during the time of Serbia's King Dusan who is depicted in five of its wall paintings or frescoes. Art historians call Decani the most significant medieval structure in this part of Europe. UNESCO says the Decani Monastery represents an exceptional synthesis...