Hundreds of Orthodox Christian faithful gathered at the Crna Reka Monastery in southwestern Serbia on Thursday to commemorate the feast day of St. Peter of Koriša, one of the most revered saints in Serbian spiritual tradition.

Pilgrims from across Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo and Metohija attended the celebrations at the monastery, where the relics of the 13th-century saint are preserved.

The festive Divine Liturgy was led by Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, concelebrating with Bishop Ilarion of Novo Brdo, vicar to Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, along with clergy from several dioceses of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

St. Peter of Koriša is regarded as one of the most prominent figures of medieval Serbian monasticism. After living near the region of Prizren, he withdrew into a cave to devote his life to prayer and asceticism. The cave near the village of Koriša has survived to the present day and remains an important pilgrimage site. Within Orthodox tradition, the saint is venerated as a protector of those in need and an intercessor for believers.

During the service, Bishop Ilarion delivered a sermon emphasizing the spiritual meaning of Christian life, highlighting the importance of inner transformation, self-sacrifice, and preserving meaningful human relationships.

“Every day, a person should take at least a moment to leave behind everything that prevents them from seeing the truth—selfishness, habits, and attachments—in order to draw closer to what has eternal value,” the bishop said.

Participants in the celebration also reflected on the life and legacy of St. Peter of Koriša. Metropolitan Joanikije noted that relatively little is known about the saint’s earthly life, yet his memory has endured through centuries of devotion among the faithful.

“He left behind an ordinary life and dedicated himself to spiritual struggle. That is why, centuries later, he remains an example of faithfulness to one’s calling and spiritual perseverance,” the metropolitan said.

Joanikije also stressed that the saint’s relics, housed at the Crna Reka Monastery, have attracted pilgrims for generations. Many visitors associate St. Peter’s name with accounts of spiritual assistance and healing.

Located in the Raška-Prizren Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Crna Reka Monastery hosts annual commemorations that draw hundreds of worshippers. The event serves as a reminder of the enduring spiritual heritage of medieval Serbia and its continued significance in the 21st century.