The Saint - the forgotten fresco of St. Nicholas in Mariovo, Macedonia

• Location: Estate of the village Staravina, Mariovo - Municipality of Novaci

The picturesque nature of the Leshnica river, for many years during the past has attracted pupils from the villages Budimirci, Staravina, Zovik, Grunishta and Gradeshnica, to select the location called „The Saint“ for a picnic location. The location was so named after the fresco on a high rock near the river.

The date when this fresco was created is not known, but it is known that during the First World War there was a Russian military chapel in that place, as it is witnessed by the following photograph, which clearly shows that it is a fresco of St. Nicholas, with a text below, which due to the poor quality of photograph, is not readable.

Whether the fresco was drawn at that time, or itself was the reason for placing the chapel here, based on the available information it can not be accurately determined. The fact is, that during the First World War in the vicinity of this place was the front line, and besides the Serbian Army here was also stationed a smaller number of Russian troops.

French map with the positions of the armies in Mariovo region in September 15 1918

It is also unclear whether an analysis of painting has ever been made, which would give more information, but the fact is that the time has done its own, and today the fresco is heavily damaged and the saint can not be seen any more.

Photographs from the area "The Saint" - photographed in January 2018.