The church honors Saint Varnava (Barnabas), who is specifically celebrated for his mission as the Bishop of Hvosno.
The structure serves as a spiritual focal point for the Rakovica district, which has historically been an industrial center of Belgrade.
Unlike many downtown Belgrade churches, this building avoids the heavy influence of the Byzantine-Revival style common in the late 19th century.
The interior is noted for its contemporary liturgical art, which balances traditional canon with 21st-century aesthetic sensibilities.
Crkva Sv. apostola Vartolomeja i Varnave is a prominent Serbian Orthodox church located in the Rakovica municipality of Belgrade. The temple is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew and Saint Varnava (Barnabas), reflecting deep roots in local ecclesiastical traditions. Its architectural design incorporates elements of traditional Serbian church construction with a modern approach to spatial organization. The site functions as an active community center for the local parish rather than a primary tourist hub. It features detailed interior iconography and serves as a significant site for religious gatherings in the southern part of the city. The church is situated at Miška Kranjca 4, accessible within the residential fabric of the Rakovica district.
The exterior facade provides the best angle, particularly from the front courtyard to capture the architectural interplay of the dome and arches.
Visit during the morning if you wish to observe the liturgy in a tranquil environment.
Respect the privacy of local parishioners who use the church daily for personal prayer.
Maintain a quiet demeanor, as this is a functioning parish church, not a museum.
Do not treat the interior as a gallery space; avoid flash photography or interrupting ongoing services.
Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees should be covered. Refrain from taking photos of worshippers and remove hats upon entering.
