During the drive, we are reminded of the hermitage of Prochorus of Pčinj, which we visited while filming the Staro Nagoričane monastery last year. According to legend, the hunter Diogenes met Saint Prochorus of Pčinj, who prophesied to him that he should go to Constantinople, where he would be proclaimed emperor, adding, "but do not forget me." Diogenes did so, became emperor (Byzantine emperor Romanus Diogenes IV), but forgot about the prophet. According to legend, the prophet appeared to him in a dream and reminded him of the promise, and Emperor Diogenes built a church (1067–1071) on the site where he found the relics of the Venerable Prochorus of Pčinj. The relics are placed in the monastery whereholy oilbegan to flow. During the reign of King Milutin (1282–1321), the church was renovated and painted by one of the most important Byzantine painters, Mihajlo Astrape. During the Turkish occupation, the monastery suffered great damage, but in 1570 the Turkish register states that the monastery had 15 monks. In the early 19th century, the monastery complex was expanded, and it still represents one of the largest monastery complexes in the Balkans.

We arrive in the village of Klenike, which is about 30 km south of Vranje, a few kilometers from the border with North Macedonia. The Monastery of the Venerable Prohor of Pčinj is located on the slopes of Mount Kozjak and the valley of the Pčinj River. The whiteness of the elegant church in the center of the monastery complex, which is approached by a semicircular, relatively steep road, is highlighted by the greenery of the surrounding forests. The complex of buildings that are part of the monastery estate is large and is in the process of renovation. The abbot of the monastery, hieromonk Seraphim, warmly welcomes us with a blessing from Bishop Timočki. After venerating the relics of the Venerable Prohor of Pčinj with a blessing and anointing the forehead with a small cross, the members of the BLAGO team begin work.

With gratitude for the privilege of being in the monastery and the hospitality shown, tired but grateful for the fulfilled filming schedule, we continue our journey towards Kumanovo in the late afternoon.

The road to the monastery leads through what was once a very dense beech forest, which belongs to the monastery, but which has been reduced by conflict and illegal logging over the last 20 years to new plantings that look more like dense bushes than the once impressive beech forest. As we drive along the narrow road that a group of believers from Kumanovo has begun to maintain, the sound of a chainsaw in the forest shatters the silence and confirms that the unrest in these beautiful areas has not passed.

The second day in Kumanovo, and after an early breakfast, we head towards the monastery. Today we will be joined by Dr. Sasho Cvetkovski from the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU), one of the top experts on medieval art in Macedonia and beyond. Once again, driving on a narrow road, with curves and some deep potholes, passing through villages where there are very modern new houses next to new mosques with no visible residents. Other villages are a bit different — there are no new houses — the difference is obvious.

The day is busy. Parts of the narthex and altar floors have been dug up and have been there for years. Marjan says that the Monument Protection Office has forbidden them to repair them, but the holes and moisture threaten to further damage the walls. The excavations are the work of vandalism and a search for treasure supposedly buried there. The scaffolding moves easily around the empty church, and being at the same height as the frescoes in the upper rows is always a special experience.

Today's lunch is a real feast! Even ice cream cake was served even though the monastery has no electricity or water. We talked with friends of the monastery about plans and how to move forward. Nenad and I see new hope. A few monks can revive this monastery and continue the path to a better future. We remember the monastery of St. Demetrius in Sušica, which was restored in this way.

After lunch, there remains the altar area and the difficult-to-reach frescoes in the arches between the columns. We are making slow progress. Each time the light enters through the different windows, the special details of the frescoes attract attention and remind us that the changes are not just centuries old. Sunset signals the end of the work — everything is recorded. Glory to the Lord!

The scaffolding has already been dismantled and packed. We are putting everything back in its place and, with a bow before the icon of the Virgin Mary and the saints who surround us, we are closing the doors of this beautiful temple. Closing the doors does not mean leaving forever. We hope that the journey will bring us back, and we cordially invite new friends who have selflessly helped and hosted us to be our dear guests in Jagodina or California.