"Arise for our help,
and redeem us for
thy mercies’ sake."
(Psalm 44:26)

The spiritual guidance of the Orthodox Serbs of Baranja fell under the Belgrade Metropolitanate from the earliest times; and from the end of the 14th century, during the reign of Despot Stefan Lazarevic and Djuradj Brankovic, under the Diocese of Hungary. After the restoration of the Patriarchate of Pec in 1557, these areas became part of the Metropolitanate of Pozega, with its See in Monastery Orahovica.

After the Great Migrations of the Serbs under the leadership of Patriarch Arsenije III Carnojevic in 1690, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mohac–Siget, Jeftimije Tetovac, also carried out his archpastoral ministry in the Diocese of Osijek Polje. Following the departure of Bishop Jeftimije for Russia in 1703, Patriarch Arsenije Carnojevic took care of the Diocese personally.

At the National–Church Assembly held in Monastery Krusedol on 23 September 1710, Archimandrite Nikanor Melentijevic, from Monastery Krusedol, was chosen Bishop of the Diocese of Pecuj (1710–1721). A decision was also made that the Diocese of Osijek Polje be entrusted to newly–elected Bishop Melentije, who bore the title: "Bishop of Pecs, Szeged, Siklos, Mohács, Orthodox Bishop between the Sava and Danube".

This Diocese has had several names in the past: Pecuj, Secuj, Siget, Mohac, Secuj-Osijek, Mohac-Siget – principally according the locations of its See and the territories which it embraced. About 1713, Bishop Nikanor Melentijevic transferred the See to Osijek, as Bishop of Mohac–Seged and Osijek–Polje.

At the National–Church Assembly in Krusedol, on 2 January 1721, Maksim Gavrilovic, Archimandrite from Besenovo Monastery, was appointed Bishop of the Dioceses of Mohac–Seged and Osijek Polje (1721–1732). The Bishop bought an appropriate house from "High Director Ignac Osend" for his residence. Bishop Maksim left Secuj for Osijek in 1726, where he departed this life in 1733. That same year, the Diocese of Osijek Polje was incorporated into the Diocese of Srem (Syrmium), and that of Secuj attached to the Diocese of Budim.

Patriarch Arsenije IV Jovanovic Sakabenta transferred his See from Sremski Karlovci to Osijek. The Patriarch consecrated Jovan Georgijevic (1746–1748) in Sremski Karlovci as Bishop of Osijek–Polje, with his See in Osijek, on 15 August 1746. When Bishop Jovan was elected Metropolitan of Karlovci, this Diocese was incorporated into the Diocese of Slavonia. Sofronije Jovanovic, Bishop of the Diocese of Pakrac–Slavonia (1748–1757), resided at one time in Osijek, in Bishop Maksim’s residence. Bishop Sofronije traded his old residence for a larger building across from the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos in 1750. After Bishop Sofronije’s death in January 1758, the Diocese of Osijek Polje was joined to the Diocese of Srem, remaining a part of it until 1991. During this period, this Serbian Diocese was administered on behalf of the Metropolitans of Karlovci by their exarchs. At an Assembly in Sremski Karlovci in May of 1848, attempts were made to restore the Diocese, but without success.

During World War II, numerous Serbian churches were destroyed in this Diocese (in Vucevci, Erdut, Osijek, Tenja, Cepin, Cepinski Martinci, and several other places), and a number of them were converted into Roman Catholic churches (in Bijelo Brdo, Koprivna, Markusica, Poganovci, Budimci).

In the war of 1991–1995, 14 churches were destroyed and 35 damaged in the Diocese of Osijek Polje and Baranja. Six parish homes or other church buildings were destroyed, while eight were damaged.

The Holy Assembly of Bishops elected Archimandrite Lukijan (Vladulov) as Bishop of the Diocese of Osijek Polje and Baranja in 1991. Its See is temporarily in Dalj instead of Osijek.

Beli Manastir

Cemetery Chapel, endowment of Roman Milorad from 1987. Shelled by Croatians in 1992. Bell–tower, part of roof and south window damaged.

Bijelo Brdo

Church of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas – built in 1764; bell–tower added in 1809. Iconostasis painted by Jovan Isailovic Senior in 1783, frescoes by Jovan Isailovic Junior 1850–1854. During Second World War (1941–1945) converted into Roman Catholic Church, while local Orthodox citizens forcibly converted to Roman Catholicism. Iconostasis removed, woodcarving destroyed at behest of Franciscan monk Kamilo Kolb. Church renovated after the war, new iconostasis installed. Church damaged during fighting in 1991–1993.

Bolman

Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul – built in second half of 18th century; renovated in 1904. In March 1945 during Second World War iconostasis, church and art objects, liturgical books and part of archives set afire. On 2 January 1992, church damaged by Croatian army: shelled several times; bell–tower and roof considerably damaged. Exterior completely restored.

Borovo Selo

Church of the Holy Archdeacon Stephen – built in 1761; completely renovated 1987. During World War II (1941–1945) converted into Roman Catholic church; iconostasis damaged. Church renovated 1951/52. During fighting in 1991/92 vaulted ceiling cracked from detonations. Parish Home also damaged due to detonations during fighting in 1991/92; all walls cracked.

Bracevci

Church of Saint Demetrius – built in 1778; renovated in 1827 and 1844. During 1991–1994 church looted and devastated, liturgical objects, church books, registries and archives destroyed.

Brsadin

Church of the Holy Archangel Gabriel – from 1750; bell-tower added in 1834. During Second World War (1941–1945) iconostasis damaged, liturgical objects, church books, registries and archives partially destroyed. Church completely renovated in 1983. Considerably damaged during fighting in 1991–1993. Exterior completely restored.

Budimci

Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos – built in 1795; renovated in 1837 and 1862. Germans set church afire on 31 October 1943. Rebuilt after the war. Now damaged, devastated in early May 1995 (Report ECMM,   3/95, 29).

Valpovo

Chapel of Saint Stefan Stiljanovic – from 19th century. Destroyed by Croatians (1991–1993).

Vinkovci

Church of the Most Holy Trinity – from 1794. Iconostasis work of Stojan and Jakov Nedic from 1811. During Second World War (1941–1945) church looted and damaged. After the War restored. Pillaged, burnt and dynamited by Croats in October 1991. Remains of church removed, the site now a parking lot. Parish Home looted, dynamited by Croats in October 1991.

Vukovar

Church of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas – built between 1732–1737. Woodcarving on iconostasis by Tomas Firtler 1771–1773; icons painted by Vasilije Ostojic 1771–1776; frescoes work of Jovan Isailovic Junior 1854. During World War II (1941–1945) church devastated and looted. Cathedral renovated after the war. During past war 1991/92 church dynamited and set afire. Top of bell–tower, roof construction and vaulting of church destroyed. Interior completely devastated and burnt. Under restoration.

Church of Saint Paraskeva (Petka) – built at Dobra Voda between 1808 and 1811; renovated in 1908. During Second World War devastated and desecrated; rebuilt in 1982. Looted and dynamited (1991–1995). Exterior completely restored.

Church of Saint Procopius – built on the Tresnja estate of the Paunovic family. Considerably damaged and pillaged during fighting 1991/92.

Church of Saint Nicholas (Paunovic Family Mausoleum). Shelled, mostly demolished. Iconostasis destroyed with frescoes by Stevan Aleksic (1991–1993). Cemetery chapel destroyed (1991–1993). Caretaker’s house also destroyed (1991–1993).

Chapel dedicated to the Resurrection of the Lord in graveyard – built in the early 20th century. Looted and heavily damaged by shelling during fighting in 1991/92. Mosaic depicting Resurrection of Christ seriously damaged.

Gabos

Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos – built in 1810; renovated and enlarged 1839. Iconostasis from 1844. During Second World War (1941–1945) archives and part of church treasury destroyed. Renovated in 1965. During 1992 shelled on several occasions, presently in poor condition. Bell–tower cracked, bells smashed. Parish Home damaged by shelling, near to collapse (1991–1993).

Gornji Petrovci

Church of the Ascension of the Lord – built in 1769. Iconostasis painted by Bogdan Djukic in first half of the 19th century. During Second World War (1941–1945) archives and some liturgical objects destroyed. Church suffered serious damage from shelling in 1991–192, particularly roof and bell–tower. Sixty icons stolen. Exterior restored. Parish Home damaged 1991–1992.

Gornji Tovarnik

Church of Saint George (in the Diocese of Srem) – built between 1797 and 1799. Frescoes painted by Petar Cortanovic 1834. Woodcarving on iconostasis completed by Georgije Devic 1842; icons painted by Jovan Isailovic Junior 1853. Church renovated in 1903. During Second World War (1941–1945) archives and part of liturgical inventory destroyed. Renovated in 1984. During 1991/92 several shells hit church, roof and bell–tower destroyed; walls cracked. Frescoes considerably damaged. Exterior restored.

Dalj

Church of Saint Demetrius – built on site of earlier church in 179. Iconostasis painted by Pavle Djurkovic 1822–1824. Church devastated in 1942; all treasures looted, roof destroyed, iconostasis burnt in part, icons stolen. Josip Astalos, Roman Catholic priest, responsible for destruction. Church damaged during fighting in 1991/92. Shelled (1991–1993) (Report ECMM,   5/96, 52). Parish Home damaged during fighting 1991–1992.

Darda

Church of the Holy Archangel Michael – built in 1777; renovated in 1924 and 1982. During night of 21–22 August 1992 facade damaged by Croatian troops. Shelled (1991–1993) (Report ECMM,   5/96, 100).

Dopsin

Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul – built in 1764. Looted and devastated (1991–1995).

Erdut

Church of the Holy Archangel Gabriel – built in 1757. Iconostasis and frescoes painted by Jovan Isailovic Senior 1805. On Christmas 1942 church demolished by Croats. On the foundations of the old church, new one built after the war. On the eve of the Feast of Saint Gabriel, 25 July 1991, Croatian troops shelled church from close range. Bell–tower and walls damaged by shelling (1992–1993) (Report ECMM,   5/96, 118). Roof and part of north wall destroyed. Exterior restored.

Jagodnjak

Church of Saint Nicholas – from the 19th century. Damaged (1991–1993).

Jankovci (Novi)

Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah – from 1794. Damaged by Croatian troops in 1991. Roof, bell–tower, windows and entrance destroyed, with considerable damage to facade and interior, especially frescoes. Liturgical objects and church books stolen. Outside restored.

Knezevo

Church of Saint George – endowment of King Aleksandar I Karadjordjevic. During Second World War (1941–1945) looted; icons from iconostasis, liturgical objects, church books, choir stalls and carpets stolen – all gifts of King Aleksandar. During last war (1991) facade damaged by rifle fire.

Koprivna

Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos – original from the Middle Ages; renovated in 1757. During World War II (1941–1945) converted into Roman Catholic church. Iconostasis and liturgical objects stolen. Church destroyed (1991–1993).

Marinci

Church of Saint George – built in 1758; renovated in 1808 and 1987. Woodcarving on iconostasis done by Maksim Lazarevic 1829, icons painted in 1834 by Ilija Loncarevic and Jovan Nedeljkovic. During Second World War liturgical objects and church books stolen. During fighting in 1991 roof and bell–tower destroyed. Fourteen icons stolen, iconostasis carving and frescoes destroyed.

Markusica

Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit – built in 1810; renovated in 989. Iconostasis painted by Jovan Isailovic Senior 1775–1777. During World War II converted into Roman Catholic church. On 9 November 1991 and 8 April 1992, church suffered considerable damage: roof, walls and bell–tower by Croatian army. Shelled (1991–1993) (Report ECMM,   5/96, 64).

Miklusevci

Church of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas – built in 1758; renovated in 1889 and 1968. Completely renovated in 1982. Roof construction and facade damaged by shell fragments (1991–1993) (Report ECMM,   5/96, 19). Complete inventory stolen, chandelier removed. Parish Home destroyed by shelling (1991–1993).

Mirkovci

Church of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas – built between 1809 and 1813. Iconostasis from 1934. On 5 January 1990 entrance dynamited. Church shelled on several occasions during fighting (1991–1993). Exterior restored. Parish Home considerably damaged (1991–1993).

Negoslavci

Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos – built in 1758; completely renovated 1987. During fighting, roof and facade damaged by shelling (1991–1993).

Church of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist in cemetery – built in 1708; renovated in 1987. During fighting, roof and facade damaged (1991–1993). Parish Home considerably damaged by Croatian shelling (1991–1993).

Osijek

Chapel of the Resurrection of the Lord – consecrated in the Parish Home in 1960. In October 1991, chapel and Parish Home looted; part of furnishings destroyed. On two occasions, 1993 and 1994, explosives deliberately set.

Osijek (Lower City)

Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos – built in 1743. During World War II razed to the ground. New church built between 1966 and 1979. During 1991/92 shelled several times; pillaged in 1992 and 1993. Dynamited twice, 1992 and 1993. Parish Home devastated and looted (1991–1993).

Osijek

Chapel of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos – founded at Zmaj Jovina Street No. 25 in 1948. Shelled in 1992; looted same year.

Cemetery chapel of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas – built in 1892. Forcibly entered in 1992; looted, part of church and art objects and liturgical books destroyed. Several valuable icons missing.

Ostrovo

Church of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist – built between 1810 and 1815. Iconostasis painted by Djordje Diklic in 1841. During Second World War devastated; renovated in 1965 and 1984. Seriously damaged during fighting on 2 September 1991 and 16 April 1992, presently in poor condition. Bell–tower and roof hit by shelling (1991–1993) (Report ECMM,   5/96, 66). Part of liturgical and art treasury missing. Parish Home vandalized and looted during 1991/92.

Chapel in cemetery – built in the 19th century. Destroyed by Croatian troops in December 1991.

Paucje

Church of Saint George – built in 1777; renovated in 1867/68 and 1886. Destroyed by Croats in 1943. After the war new church built. Dynamited by Croats (1991–1993), religious and art treasures and church books destroyed.

Pacetin

Church of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas – built between 1752 and 1759. Iconostasis painted by Djordje Rakic in 1891. Renovated in 1908, 1958 and 1986. During World War II (1941–1945) damaged and turned into Roman Catholic church. Damaged during fighting in 1991; shelled several times.

Poganovci

Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah. Burglarized, vandalized and pillaged by Croats (1991–1993).

Sarvas

Church of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist – built in 1753. Iconostasis painted by Dimitrije Bacic in 1766. After resettlement of the Serbs, church given over to the Roman Catholic Church. New church dedicated to the same Saint begun in 1970, consecrated on 21 October 1990. Seriously damaged by Croats on several occasions during period from 26 June to 17 September 1991. Roof damaged, interior set afire. New iconostasis, frescoes, liturgical objects, vestments and church books all burnt. According to a report (ECMM   1/94, 88), church dynamited; only foundations remain.

Sotin

Church of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas – built in 1802; completely renovated in 1968. In August 1991 damaged by rifle fire from Croatian National Guard.

Sremske Laze

Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos – built in 1776; renovated in 1979. Iconostasis painted by Djordje Raic. During Second World War a machine-gun nest placed in church by German troops. In 1991 seriously damaged by Croatian army. Roof and facade damaged by shelling (1991–1993) (Report ECMM,   5/96, 43). Parish Home heavily damaged in 1991; not fit for habitation.

Tenja

Church of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas – built in 1761. Iconostasis painted by Janko Halkozovic and Jovan Isailovic Senior 1777. Church razed to foundations in 1942. New church built in 1985. Damaged during fighting 1991/92. According to a report (ECMM,   1/94, 84), church deliberately dynamited; only foundations remain.

Cepin

Church of the Holy Archangel Michael – built in 1759. New church finished and consecrated in 1981. Destroyed by Croats in 1992; only part of bell–tower remains.

Cepinski Martinci

Church of Saint George. Burglarized and devastated outside combat zone. Some liturgical objects and church books stolen (1991–1995).

Sarengrad

Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel – built in 1805. Woodcarving on iconostasis done by Georgije Denic in 1828. Icons and frescoes painted by Bogdan Djukic in 1854. Renovated in 1935 and 1973. During World War II devastated, religious and art objects stolen. Church considerably damaged on 6 October 1991, especially roof and bell-tower. Shelled (1991–1993) (Report, ECMM   5/96, 36). Parish Home seriously damaged in 1991; not fit for habitation.

Sidski Banovci (Diocese of Srem)

Church of Saint Paraskeva – built in 1818. Iconostasis, liturgical fans and ciborium painted by Zivko Petrovic in 1840. In December 1944 heavily damaged by German tank troops. Hit by two shells; bell–tower partly destroyed in October 1991 (Report, ECMM   5/96, 27).