The Church of St. Joaniki Lipovac (Holy Martyr Joaniki) in Gornji Kokoti near Podgorica is one of the newer, but spiritually extremely important shrines of Lješkopolje and the Podgorica region.
Here are the key details about this church:
Location: It is located in the village of Gornji Kokoti (Lješkopolje), a few kilometers southwest of the center of Podgorica, along the main road towards Cetinje.
To whom it is dedicated: The temple is dedicated to the Holy Martyr Ioaniki (Lipovac), the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral who died at the end of the Second World War (in 1945), and who was canonized as a saint by the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Construction and consecration: The foundation stone for this church was laid in recent times, and the construction itself was carried out by the efforts of the Eparchy of Montenegro and the Coast, the residents of Kokot and numerous contributors. The temple was consecrated as the first church in Montenegro built in honor of this saint and new martyr.
Architecture: It was built in the traditional Byzantine-Mediterranean style of sacral architecture. It is characterized by a harmonious stone facade, a dome and finely crafted architectural details that fit into the natural environment of Lješkopolje.
Spiritual significance and gathering: The church has become an important spiritual gathering place for the inhabitants of Gornji and Donji Kokota, as well as the wider area of Lješkopolje and Podgorica. The central annual gathering and liturgical celebration is held on the feast of the Holy Priest-Martyr Ioanniki (June 17).
