Monument of Saint Naum of Ohrid

Saint Naum of Ohrid (circa 830 – December 23, 910) was a medieval scholar, writer, teacher, and one of the key founders of Slavic literacy. Today, his relics rest in the monastery that proudly bears his name — the Monastery of Saint Naum.

Born into a wealthy family, Naum chose a different path. Driven by his devotion to Christianity, he renounced his inheritance and embraced monastic life.

He was the youngest disciple of the holy brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, joining them in the famous Moravian Mission. Together, they spread Christianity and literacy across Moravia, Pannonia and other regions.

After the Moravian Mission ended, Saint Naum arrived in Ohrid, where he joined Saint Clement of Ohrid in the work of the Ohrid Literary School — one of the most important cultural and educational centers of the medieval Slavic world.

Recognized as one of the most gifted students of Cyril and Methodius, Saint Naum was appointed in the year 893 as a teacher in the region of Kutmichevitsa. For seven years, he led the Ohrid School, educating thousands of students. In the year 900, he withdrew to a monastery dedicated to the Holy Archangel Michael, where he gathered a large monastic brotherhood.

Saint Naum was not only a writer and teacher, but also an enlightener who understood folk medicine and governed church affairs with wisdom and tolerance.

He passed away on December 23, 910, at the age of 80, in the Monastery of Saint Naum. He was personally laid to rest by Saint Clement in the monastery church.

Shortly after his death, Saint Naum was canonized as a saint due to the many miracles reported at his grave and within the monastery. His cult quickly spread throughout Macedonia and beyond, reaching Bulgaria, Albania, and Greece — a testament to his enduring spiritual legacy.

Read more:

• Saint Clement of Ohrid - Monument in the center of Ohrid
• Monument of Saint Naum of Ohrid
• Ohrid - Hospital Churches of St. Nicholas and St. Mary
• House of Urania, Ohrid
• Robevci House – City Museum of Ohrid
• Memorial House of Hristo Uzunov, Ohrid
• Saint Sophia Church – Ohrid (11th century)
• Manchevci Archaeological Site, Ohrid
• Ancient Theatre of Ohrid
• Church of St. Mary Perivleptos – Ohrid (1295)
• Icon Gallery of Ohrid
• Samuil’s Fortress, Ohrid, Macedonia
• The Turbé of Sinan Chelebi, Ohrid
• Plaoshnik and the Church of Saint Panteleimon, Ohrid, Macedonia
• Church of St. John at Kaneo - Ohrid
• Ohrid Lake