St. Prohor Pchinski hermit cave in Staro Nagoricane

The hermit cave of St. Prohor Pchinski in Staro Nagoricane (Испосничка пештера на светиот пророк Св.Прохор Пчињски во Старо Нагоричане) is located near the church St. George, in the central part of the village.

The construction of the original church of St. George in XI century is associated with the legend of eremite Prohor Pcinjski  (Св.Прохор Пчињски), who lived in this small cave.

Namely, near the village of Staro Nagorichane, the Byzantine military commander Romanos IV Diogenes (Roman IV Diogen 1067-1071) stayed with his army and was a successful defender of attacks against the Pechenegs tribes.

St. Prohor Pchinski hermit cave in Staro Nagoricane
Hunting a wounded deer, the commander entered into the cave, in which lived the hermit Prohor Pcinjski, who told him not to kill the deer. He also told the commander that in the future he will become the Byzantine Emperor.

Roman IV Diogen didn’t kill the deer, went to Constantinople and briefly after became a Byzantine Emperor (1068-1071). In gratitude, he erected a beautiful three-nave basilica near the hermitage, the first phase of the church St. George.

St. George church - Staro Nagorichane - frontal view
St. George church – Staro Nagorichane

Location of St. Prohor Pchinski hermit cave

Photos: OFF ROAD Macedonia>>>