"...misery cannot exist where there is love."
- St. Seraphim of Sarov
What is the Decani Monastery Relief Fund?
The Decani Monastery Relief Fund (DMRF) is a non-profit organization committed to assisting the people of Kosovo/ Metohija through the Decani Monastery located in Kosovo, by providing funds that may be used in ways which include but are not limited to the following:
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Providing daily lunches to schools.
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Providing shoes and clothing for youth.
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Supporting soup kitchens and bakeries.
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The rebuilding of seminaries, monasteries, and churches in the region.
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Providing humanitarian aid to refugee centers.
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Providing for special needs of the elderly.
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Paying electric bills.
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Providing firewood.
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Financing necessary medical and surgical procedures.
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Helping to purchase farm equipment and livestock.
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Providing scholarships to the University of Northern Kosovo when applicable.
These are just some examples of how donations are used after being channeled through the DMRF directly to the monastery. Ultimately the uses of these funds are determined by the Decani Monastery itself and are based purely upon necessity.
We ask you to please open up your hearts and support the people of Kosovo through your donations to The Decani Monastery Relief Fund by clicking the "Donate" button below. So many souls will be nourished by your contributions. Your tax-deductible donation, which goes into the account of The Decani Monastery, is then dispersed amongst those in need and are appreciated as they assist in this humanitarian crisis.
Please remember your prayers for these struggling souls in the barren land of Kosovo.
Thank you and God bless your good heart. Peace to your soul!
+Archimandrite Nektarios Serfes
DMRF President
About the Monastery
Visoki Decani Monastery is situated in the western part of the UN-administered Serbian province of Kosovo and Metohia. It was built between 1327 and 1335 by the Serbian medieval king St. Stephen of Decani and was dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord. The monastery is settled in the picturesque valley of the Bistrica River surrounded by the mountains and forests of the Prokletije mountain range. It is the largest and best preserved medieval monastery in Serbia.
The People of Kosovo
Misery continues onward for so many Serbian families in Kosovo. Food has become difficult to obtain due to a 100% tariff placed on all imported goods. These fees also have a direct reflection on other goods as well such as clothing and firewood, both of which are major necessities for the winter months in this land! This is especially true since having enough funds for your utilities to be paid is a rarity!
A "501c3" Organization
We are an official 501c3, tax exempt organization and are on file with the United States Federal Government, IRS. For proof of exemption or to find our EIN number for tax filing purposes, please click below to view our "Letter of Determination", which provides all the necessary information for filing your taxes if you've donated to our fund.
A great blessing for our organization! For the last couple of years, one of our board members, Ariane Trifunovic Montemuro has written a book titled, “I Shall Remember Thy Holy Name from Generation to Generation”, which was released November 17, 2016. A percentage of all profits will go towards the Decani Monastery Relief Fund's efforts to assist in providing humanitarian aid those in Kosovo. This book may be ordered and obtained from Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com
DMRF President, Archimandrite Nektarios (Serfes) offers humble thanks to Patriarch Irinej and the Synod of Bishops for receiving the St. Sava Medal and Award, which is considered the highest award a priest or layperson can receive from the Serbian Orthodox Church! Congratulations Father!