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Nativity of the Mother of God Serbian Orthodox Monastery is under the jurisdiction of Bishop of New Gracanica – Midwest America, Longin. The Abbess of the monastery is Mother Makrina (Žugić).

The monastery is dedicated to the birth of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. The Feast of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 21/8 each year. Orthodox Christians honor the Theotokos more than all the saints and angels of heaven for she was found worthy to give birth to Christ, the Savior of the world.

 

 

Troparion (Tone 4)
Your Nativity, O Virgin,
Has proclaimed joy to the whole universe!
The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,
Has shone from You, O Theotokos!
By annulling the curse,
He bestowed a blessing.
By destroying death, He has granted us eternal Life.

 

Kontakion (Tone 4)
By Your Nativity, O Most Pure Virgin,
Joachim and Anna are freed from barrenness;
Adam and Eve, from the corruption of death.
And we, your people, freed from the guilt of sin, celebrate and sing to you:
The barren woman gives birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life!

 

Instead of a long introduction about the monastery, here are the words of a regular visitor who finds endless spiritual inspiration and wisdom every time he pays a visit to the monastery.

What does the Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery mean to me? It is so hard to respond to this question, as words do not begin to capture what I want to express. To be on the grounds of this Monastery takes me away from the stresses of my material life and allows me to focus on my Spiritual growth. Upon entry into the sanctuary, you are surrounded by frescos, the smell of tamjan, candles flickering, and you know you have entered into Christ’s dominion. I sit here today stronger in my Orthodox faith through the intercession of the Theotokos, the saving grace of Christ’s love and mercy, and the Matis of the Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery. For this, I am eternally grateful.

To know that the Matis are praying for me and my family is humbling and provides such strength and joy.  I regularly attend services and volunteer at the monastery, and yet, every visit provides such spiritual nourishment. I was raised in our faith and yet I still learn something new about myself and our faith every time I visit.

I can only encourage everyone to visit the Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery as often as you can: for the good of yourself, your family, and most importantly for your soul.

In Christ,

Steve Michael
South Bend, IN