Monastery St. Joachim of Osogovo near Kriva Palanka
The monastery of St. Joachim Osogovski, set amongst verdant green woods near the northeastern town of Kriva Palanka. The nowadays monastery has two churches – the old one, Holy Mother of God, and the new one, St. Joachim Ossogovski. In the summer it has been used for an architecture summer school – at any time travelers can stay here and enjoy the peace and the beauty.
History: St. Joachim a disciple of our saint John of Rila- the Wonderworker, found monastic solitude in a cave near the Kriva River. Here he lived a life of fast and prayers, honored by the people as a holy person. He died in 1105 and two hunters buried him near the cave.
At first the saint’s relics were places in a small church devoted to Virgin Mary. When in 12 century St. joacim became extremely popular and respected in the region , the people constructed the monastery, bearing his name.
The monastery suffered severe damage from an earthquake in 16 centery. The construction of the large church bearing the name of St. Joachim was completed in 1851.
Its frescoes are especially characteristic of the 19th century. The monastery complex had always been an important cultural, religious, and educational center.
Joachim means “Yahweh prepares” and Anna means “graciousness”. Tradition holds that while Joachim was away from home, both he and Anna each received angelic messages that St. Anna was pregnant at an elderly age.
