Destroyed And Desecrated Serbian Orthodox Churches In Kosovo And Metohia (1999-2000)

32. ZOCISTE MONASTERY AND THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY HEALERS COSMAS AND DAMIAN

The 14^th century Zociste Monastery, 5 km south-east of Orahovac, was built in the time of the Medieval Serbian Nemanjic Dynasty. The Church of the Holy Healers Cosmas and Damian (who according to the legend charged no fee for curing the ill) had a semi-round vault and a wide narthex. The preserved frescoes, especially one of a prophet's bust, belonged to the 12^thş14^th century monumental style of painting. The monastery had a valuable collection of icons, books (the Zociste menaion from the 15^th century), and liturgical vessels. The carved door of the iconostasis was known for its exceptional beauty.

Albanian extremists looted and vandalized the monastery, and burned down the konaks (residential quarters), as soon as the German KFOR troops had settled in this area. The church was completely destroyed by explosive in September 1999.