Ostrog Monastery Stories of Miracles

Among Montenegrins, countless stories circulate about the miraculous effects of the relics of Saint Basil. One of the most intriguing involves American Senator William Bill Bar. His wife, Dojna Galic Bar, an American physiatrist of Montenegrin descent, recently published a book titled “Blue Pigeon,” documenting her husband’s visit to the Ostrog Monastery. The Republican senator from Illinois survived an assassination attempt in 1970, leaving him wounded with doctors unable to save his leg. Consequently, recurrent pain caused excruciating suffering, and medical professionals could not relieve his pain, fever, or other conditions. According to the senator, he had an odd dream one night of visiting a small white church in a cliff up a mountain. In recurring dreams, an old grey-haired man speaking an unfamiliar language walked him through the church’s chambers, healing the sick and dying with the power of his hands. He told his wife about the dream, but neither understood its meaning.

While seeking a cure for his pain, the senator by mere chance met a manufacturer of up-to-date prostheses who was of Yugoslav origin. During a visit to his office, the senator noticed a picture of a small white church and a white-haired Saint Basil on the wall. From this man, he heard stories about Ostrog Monastery and decided to visit. He set off on a journey in 1980 with a group of other patients who had lost limbs. In the days before the trip, the senator fasted and learned a prayer in Serbian. During his stay in Montenegro, he walked up to the Upper Monastery daily, drawn to the place in a peculiar way despite the pain. He stated that these visits far surpassed any previous experiences. Day in and day out, his pains abated as he knelt before the remains of Saint Basil. Indeed, he returned home feeling no pain, with enormous faith in his heart and soul, and a few icons he gave to close friends.

Other Miraculous Tales from Ostrog Monastery

Many other stories exist, with only a few retold here as they are narrated by word of mouth. One tale tells of a mother who left a wooden cradle on top of the wall just above the monastery. The baby shifted in the cradle, causing it to fall from a height of about 70 meters. Even though the cradle shattered into pieces, the baby mercifully remained unharmed.

Numerous people share stories of spiritual changes after visiting the monastery. Many recount how they stopped non-spiritual lives after visitations by Saint Basil in their dreams. Moreover, many talk about being healed of physical maladies and diseases upon their visits to Ostrog Monastery. For example, some regained their power of speech. People still come from all corners of the world, and many celebrate the Holy Day of Saint Basil of Ostrog to protect their homes and souls.

The Significance of Ostrog Monastery

The monastery is one of the most often visited holy shrines in the Balkans. Believers come from all over the world, either on their own or as part of organized tours. The subtle splendor of the monastery lies in the fact that all three major religions—Orthodox Christian, Roman Catholic, and Muslim—consider this a holy place. They all believe that the relics of Saint Basil bring miracles for all who believe and have faith. Leaders of all three religions often narrate numerous tales about the monastery and its Saint, who are often depicted above the clouds or in the mist of the water vapors of the River Zeta.

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