Macedonia has a long Christian history. It is mentioned even in Acts of the Apostles. As from the start of Christianity this land was under the influence of the religion. Nowadays, in Macedonia, most of the Christian population is Orthodox; there are also Catholics and Protestants but in smaller representation. Across the country, it is easy to find many beautiful Orthodox churches, mostly small and modest in appearance and in characteristics that can be described as a Byzantine style with Balkan taste.

Before coming here, I wanted to explore more about churches, because from my Polish perspective I was expecting to see many big, ‘rich’ Orthodox churches in Skopje. I was a bit surprised when I discovered that it’s harder to find it here. Macedonian capital has a long history, so it should mean that it has many old buildings. Unfortunately, because of the earthquake in 1963 many of them were destroyed and then communism as an ideology basically against religion didn’t allow rebuilding most of them. 

One of the most splendid Orthodox churches in Skopje is dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos on the left side of Vardar river. Originally, the church was built in mediaeval times but in the beginning of 19th century Macedonians decided to build the new one as a change of law in the Ottoman empire allowed it. The plan of the church is a three-aisled stone basilica with a western extension. The iconostasis is decorated with marble and wood carvings. Unfortunately, due to the fire in 1944 the church was partly destroyed and then in an earthquake in 1963 it was destroyed completely. When Macedonia gained independence, some of the people that remember the church before destruction were trying to rebuild it. In 2008, the church was rebuilt in the same shape as before 1944.

Mostly, what can be noticed in Skopje churches is that they are small and look inconspicuously from outside. The Ascension of Jesus near Kale in Old Bazaar is a perfect example of this. Outside it is small and looks more casual than a place of worship. Inside it has many murals and incredible iconostasis which is one of the most spectacular in the whole country and is recognized as the best example of nowadays iconography.

Many churches in Skopje have a history that is connected with times before the Second World War, but one church is an example of modern architecture. The cathedral of Saint Clement of Ohrid which is the biggest one of Macedonian Orthodox Church. The church was built for 18 years and was consecrated in 1990. Architecture of the church refers to traditional Orthodox style but as well is connected with the modern style of the capital. 

Even though Catholics represent only 0,75% of the population there are two Catholic churches in Skopje. As it was mentioned before, the earthquake destroyed almost 80% of the buildings and as well the catholic church. That’s why Catholics needed to have some place for worship. They decided to make a small church in a barrack which is dedicated to Saint Joseph, where there is still celebrated liturgy in Eastern and Roman rite. 

Because the church of Saint Joseph is small, the Catholic population needed to build something bigger to provide a space for the faithful. In 1977, the building of a new Catholic cathedral in Skopje was finished, as the previous one was completely destroyed in the 60’s. The look of the cathedral is different from the other churches in the city. The style is typical for Yugoslavia in the 70’s. Compared to Orthodox churches the Catholic cathedral looks more simple and doesn’t have connotations with the traditional style like the Orthodox cathedral of Saint Clement.

When I went to research the churches in Skopje, I met a cantor who said that churches in Macedonia are not that spectacular and are mostly modest because what is seen is less important than having strong and spectacular faith. But I think even though there are not many big, breathtaking temples, because of natural disasters or wars, they are in a way beautiful and have important meaning for the community. 

Jakub Pokuciński

Sources:

Wikipedia: Cerkiew narodzenia w Skopju 

Wikipedia: Church of St.Clement of Ohrid

srceisusovo.mk

Wikipedia: Црква „Св. Спас“ – Скопје

Wikipedia: Cathedral Skopje