Archierarchical Liturgy at Osogovo Monastery for Saint Joakim's Feast

On 29 August 2026 the Monastery of Saint Joakim of Osogovo will mark the saint’s feast with a solemn archierarchical Divine Liturgy.

The service will be led by Metropolitan Grigorij, Metropolitan of Kumanovo‑Osogovo, with other hierarchs of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric taking part in the concelebration.

The annual celebration traditionally draws numerous faithful to the area around Kriva Palanka, where worshippers come to honour one of the region’s best‑known ascetics.

Saint Joakim of Osogovo laboured as a hermit during the second half of the 11th century on the Osogovo Mountains at a site known as Sarandopor, where he is said to have lived in a cave.

According to ecclesiastical tradition, another ascetic, Theodor of Ovche Pole, later raised a church at the place where Joakim had served; the story says Joakim appeared to Theodor in a dream and showed him the proper site for the church.

Throughout the centuries, the relics of Saint Joakim have been linked in church tradition to numerous healings and other miracles, and his cult remains active today as pilgrims seek his intercession.

Hymns dedicated to the saint celebrate him as a desert‑dweller, a miracle‑worker and a God‑bearing father who, through fasting, vigil and prayer, received heavenly gifts and aids those who turn to him in faith.

"A desert‑dweller and in body an angel, and he was revealed as a miracle‑worker, our God‑bearing father Joakim," reads the troparion in his honour.

Photo: press material from the event