Early period The exact date of founding is unknown; it is mentioned in the 9th century as the seat of the eparchy of Serbia (see
Eparchy of Ras). Excavations on the site have unearthed Greek sculptures and
Black-figure pottery dating to 7th and 6th century BC, as well as a 5th-century BC princely grave (with
regalia, robes, gold-silver
jewelry,
masks,
beads and Attic pottery), underneath the floor of the church in 1957–58. The present church has been built on several earlier churches of which remains have been well preserved. The foundation of the church, the massive columns, ground-plan and the octagonal tower which conceals an inner cupola are examples of the circular mausoleal architectural type used after
Emperor Constantine (306–312). Ras itself originates from Latin
Arsa via
metathesis. The foundation of the episcopy which centre was this church can be dated to the first half of the 10th century. The imperial charter of
Basil II from 1020 to the
Archbishopric of Ohrid, in which the rights and jurisdictions were established, mentions that the Episcopy of Ras belonged to the
Bulgarian autocephal church during the time of
Peter I (927–969) and
Samuel of Bulgaria (977–1014). The episcopy was of a small size. It is considered that it was possibly founded by the Bulgarian emperor, or it is the latest date when could have been integrated to the Bulgarian Church. If previously existed, it probably was part of the Bulgarian metropolis of Morava, but certainly not of
Durrës. If it was on the Serbian territory, seems that the Church in Serbia or part of the territory of Serbia became linked and influenced by the Bulgarian Church between 870 and 924. Anyway, the church would have been protected by Bulgarian controlled forts. By the mid-12th century, after constant conflicts between the Bulgarians, Byzantines and Serbs, the area of Ras was finally conquered and controlled by the Serbs, who greatly renovated it hence becoming centre of defence and residency for the
Serbian Principality. Sometime before 1163,
Stefan Nemanja, then only a
Župan, was baptized in the church. In 1166, Stefan Nemanja acquired the throne of Serbia with the title of
Grand Župan. He was married in the church (to
Ana); their two sons,
Rastko (later known as Saint Sava; l. 1175–1235), and
Stefan Nemanjić, were baptized in the church. Stefan Nemanja held the council that outlawed the
Bogumils at the church. Stefan Nemanja abdicated in 1195, crowning Stefan Nemanjić (r. 1196–1228) at the Church of Peter, then joined his son Sava on Mount Athos. The father and son soon asked the Holy Community for the establishment of the Serbian religious base at the abandoned
Hilandar, which they renovated, marking the beginning of cultural prospering (in
arts;
literature, and
religion). The ancient cell of
Helandaris was donated by Emperor
Alexios III Angelos (1195-1203) "to the Serbs as an eternal gift..." and Stefan Nemanja establishes and endows the monastery in 1198 (before 13 February 1199). Nemanja died at Hilandar in 1199, while Sava continued his work in establishing the Serbian church. After the Nemanjić era, not much is mentioned about the church. The church frescoes date to the 10th, 12th and 13th centuries, while some frescoes were repainted in the mid-13th century. ==Gallery==