THE CHURCH OF ST DEMETRIUS – Bajša

In 1755 Zako Stevan built the first Orthodox church. Today the Orthodox cross made of wood is located in the center of Bajša. Today’s Orthodox Church had been built by Dimitrije Zako, a grandson of Stevan Zako between 1806 and 1818. The church was erected in the honor of St. Demetrius.

The church served as a burial place for the Zako family. This place is coated with two red marble slabs. On one of the plates there is a superscript as follows :”Georgije Zako, Baišanski, died in 1859 at the age of 75, next to his father Dimitrije Zako, who died in 1832 at the age of 76. “On the other marble slab there is the inscription as follows :”noble lady Ekatarina Zako , Dulvez, died on March 28, 1839 at the age of 25.

The icons in the church were painted by Jovan Klajić in 1854. The painting of icons is financially supported by George and Mary Zako. Kljajić accepted this work in Bajša after the completion of the works of art in the church of St. John in Novi Sad. The painter completed the Art Academy in Vienna and within a short time gained a great reputation both in our country and abroad.

The church also contains the following icons:
St. Demetrius – support of the saint’s body on the right leg, while in his right hand he holds a spear. In front of the right leg there is a human head and torso.

Madonna – Saint Mary. She holds a lily in her right hand, and her left hand on his chest. The lower part of the clothing is purple and the upper part is of bright pink color with a green lining.

Jesus Christ – Christ is visible in profile. With his right hand he gives blessing and in his left hand he holds a dark blue ball. The figure of Christ is on a pink cloud.

St. John the Baptist – stands in the clouds and points to the sky with his right hand. In his left hand he holds a cross with a flag and inscription “Pokaisteja” on it.

St. Nikola – The icon is located at the northern gate of the church. With his right hand he gives a blessing and in his left hand he holds a chalice.

Archangel Michael – He is located on the southern gate. He is dressed in gray warrior clothes. In his right hand there is a fiery sword, and in his left hand there is scale with two trays. The wings are on his back .

The icons located above the door:
Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane –The icon is located above the northern gate. The figure of Christ is in darkness. Christ is seen with arms outstretched. The portrait of angels in the clouds holding a chalice can be seen beside him. Three sleeping apostles are on the left side of Jesus.

The Last Supper – is located above the imperial door. Beside the long table there are the apostles who talk . At the center of the picture there is the Christ with outstretched hands above the table. On the table there is just bread and chalice.

Christ rebukes the apostles as they sleep – The icon is painted above the south door. Christ stands behind the three apostles who sleep in a sitting position. Night is presented in dark violet color . Shadows and colors express the relationship between people. This icon is the most beautiful and the most successful in the whole church.

Festal icons:
– Nativity of Christ – In the center of the icon is St. Mary holding the Christ. On her right there is an angel and on the left there is Saint Joseph.

The Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple – Simeon stands in the middle holding Christ, to his right is Mary, and on the left is Ana.

Baptism – Icon shows the Christ and John the Baptist. Christ’s arms were crossed and his head is slightly raised. John the Baptist is baptizing Christ with his right hand and in his left hand he is holding a long cross.

Resurrection – In this icon the Christ is hovering. The right hand is raised, and in his left hand is a pink cross with a flag. Below him there are three soldiers.

Transfiguration – Christ gives a speech in a dark gray clothes. The apostles are in the background.

Resurrection – The apostles are divided into two groups, and in front of them is Mary. One of the Apostles is kneeling.

Descent of the Holy Spirit – Mary is sitting in the middle of the picture and praying to God. The apostles are around her.

Since the interior of the church in terms of construction and art is of substantial value in Vojvodina, this is protected by law. Icons are created during Romanticism and bear the hallmarks of this style.

Chalice and censer are donated by George and Mary Zako in 1818. There is a seal with “VR” on them. These items could not possibly be made in our country, thus with great certainty, we can say that these items were brought from abroad.

In the church we can find several icons painted on glass. Resurrection of Christ , Assumption, Visitation, St. George, St. Demetrius are 20×25 inches. An icon of St. Nikola, is 38×56 centimeters.

The church is rectangular in shape. Date of construction can be noticed on the western gate of 1818. In the middle front door the years 1854 and 1893 are labeled in black and certainly indicate the years of the church restoration.