History records the existence of Orthodox churches in this area as far back as the 4th century. They were demolished during many wars but were always rebuilt on the same foundations, thanks to the sincere prayers and efforts of the Jablanica priests and parishioners.
Today, the territory of the Lebane municipality is covered by three parishes (Bošnjace, Lebane, and Prekopčelica) to which twenty churches belong. Some of them are:
Church of St. John the Baptist – The spiritual center for the citizens of Lebane. Alongside the main area, it features a crypt dedicated to the victims executed during World War I. On feast days, holy relics of several Orthodox saints are brought out for veneration.
Church of St. Procopius (Šumane) – This shrine was built by the grateful residents of Šumane in 1876/77 in honor of the brave heroes who fell for freedom. In front of the church are the graves of three officers, while a monument to those killed on the Salonica Front stands near the nearby school.
Monastery of St. Panteleimon – Nestled in a valley between the high hills of Mount Goljak, the monastery enjoys silence and peace. The brotherhood cares for the estate and the temple, welcoming guests at the Assembly on August 9th. The monastery yard contains the burial sites of priests who suffered martyrdom during the conflicts of the 20th century.
Church of St. Petka (Bošnjace) – The oldest church in the Lebane municipality, it has been destroyed and renovated several times. Its sunken foundation and low construction suggest it was built during the Turkish occupation. Another church dedicated to St. Nicholas was built within its spacious courtyard.
Church of St. Nicholas (Prekopčelica) – The Church of the Translation of the Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was renovated by parishioners through donations in the 19th century near Caričin Grad. Near the tall bell tower, they placed “krajputaši” (roadside cenotaphs) for those who perished in World War I.
Church of St. Elijah (Štulac) – A single-nave building in the zone of Caričin Grad; according to archaeologists, it lies upon the altar area of a great 6th-century church of the Archbishopric of Justiniana Prima. It is believed that the village where Emperor Justinian I the Great was born was located here.
Church of St. Peter and Paul – This small single-nave building was constructed with great effort through the communal labor of residents from three villages at the foot of St. Peter’s Peak on Mount Radan. A unique celebration, featuring a feast spread on the forest floor with songs and toasts, is held on the feast day of July 12th.
