The Church of St. George the Great Martyr and the Holy New Martyrs of Momišići (often called the Church of St. George in Momišići) is one of the most important memorial sites and spiritual centers in Podgorica.
Here are key details about the history, suffering and significance of this shrine:
1. Tragic history and the Martyrs of Momišić (1688)
The church is inextricably linked to the tragedy and sacrifice of the 42 Momišić martyrs (two priest-teachers and forty students).
During the Ottoman rule in 1688, the army of Suleiman Pasha of Skadar burned 40 students and 2 priests alive inside the then church of St. George in retaliation for the defeat by the hill tribes.
Their relics were kept for a long time in the church of St. George near Gorica, and in 1936 they were returned to the restored temple in Momišići in a large public procession.
2. Canonization and relics in the church
In 2012, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church officially included the Holy 42 Martyrs of Momišić in the diptychs of saints.
Today, their relics rest inside this temple in Momišići, where the faithful regularly pay their respects to them.
The memory of the Momišić martyrs is solemnly celebrated every year on March 22.
3. Architecture and appearance
The temple was renovated and built of stone, with a characteristic portico, gates, frescoes at the entrance and a belfry on a horseshoe.
The interior is colorful and adapted to keep relics and memorials to martyrs.
