On the feast day of Saint Nestor the Martyr, Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral consecrated the restored Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in the village of Vishnevo (Donji Grbalj) and led the first Divine Liturgy in the newly renewed sanctuary, according to the Montenegrin Metropolis website.

Metropolitan Joanikije greeted the faithful with the Paschal greeting “Christ is risen!” and reminded them that every Sunday is a celebration of Christ’s Resurrection and the victory of life over death.
“Through His Resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ has made us partakers of His victory over death and His eternal glory. We live by this glory, clothe ourselves in it, and are strengthened by it in every Divine Liturgy,” he said.

The archbishop emphasized that the consecration of the restored church is a visible sign of the power of Christ’s Resurrection. The modest church in Vishnevo dates back to the era of the Nemanjić dynasty or even earlier. Due to the historical challenges of the 20th century, the building remained unfinished for decades and had never before been consecrated; it also suffered damage during the 1979 earthquake.
“Many thought it would never rise again. But here is a living testimony to Christ’s Resurrection — a restored church! Every renewal of the Church speaks to the strength of faith, which knows no defeat,” the metropolitan remarked.

Metropolitan Joanikije expressed gratitude to Father Ioann Rayak, rector of the parish, and the “Čovjekoljublje” foundation from Budva, while also honoring the late Metropolitan Amfilohije, under whose blessing the restoration work began.

Saints Sergius and Bacchus are among the most venerated martyrs in Orthodox lands. Their memory lives on in the people, and numerous churches have been dedicated to them — from the ancient monastery near Shkodër to monasteries in Mileševa and near Herceg Novi.

“When we restore a church, we renew not only the walls but also our historical consciousness, our love, and our trust in one another,” the metropolitan said. “May this holy house become a place of prayer, unity, and spiritual strengthening.”

After the Liturgy, Father Ioann thanked the archpastor and all who had participated in restoring the sacred building. The church had awaited consecration for nearly 130 years.

Milan Tučević, chairman of the parish community, noted that the church’s foundations date back to the 13th century:
“Our ancestors began construction nearly eight centuries ago, and today we have fulfilled their legacy — we have restored this sanctuary and pass it on to our descendants. May the Divine Liturgy always be celebrated here. Christ is risen!”