“Ever wonder where Serbian immigrants first gathered to practice their faith in Buenos Aires? It’s right here at Monasterio San SAVAS. This wasn’t always a monastery. It started as a humble place of worship.
Let’s step back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many immigrants arrived. Most came from Serbia Montenegro and nearby Slavic regions. A large number came by way of Gênova. They were Orthodox Christians. They initially attended services at the Russian Orthodox Church of San Telmo.
In 1948 everything changed. The San Sava Civil Association formed. They established their headquarters on Peru Street. Here they built a church. It became the first Serbian Orthodox place of worship in Buenos Aires. This marked a significant moment for the Serbian community.
The church is dedicated to Saint Sava. He was the first Archbishop of Serbia. He is revered as the illuminator of the Serbian people. San Sava is a major figure in Serbian history and religion. He transitioned the Serbs from paganism to Christianity. As the saying goes San Sava is like an olive tree planted in a spiritual paradise.
Monasterio San SAVAS stands as a testament to Serbian identity in Argentina. The Serbian Orthodox Church is the sixth oldest autocephalous Orthodox Church. This church serves Orthodox Christians from Serbia and Montenegro.
In January the Monasterio San SAVAS celebrates its Slava or Patron Saint’s Day. The feast commemorates San Sava. The bishop elevates the Mother Superior to the rank of Abbess during the liturgy.
The church is part of the Eparchy of Buenos Aires South and Central America. This diocese oversees parishes and missions in many countries. These countries include Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador and others.
Monasterio San SAVAS also offers unique items for sale. These include beeswax candles liquors marmalades and prayer ropes. You can also find crosses books and other religious items.
Branislav “Bane” Markovic helped found the original Iglesia San Sava. It is now the Monasterio. He spoke about his travels to Mount Athos. He visited Hilandar Monastery founded by San Sava and his father.
Monasterio San SAVAS is more than a building. It is a living symbol of faith community and Serbian heritage in Buenos Aires. Take a moment to appreciate its history. Think about the people who built and sustained this sacred place. Their legacy lives on in every corner of Monasterio San SAVAS.”