In the presence of Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and her Serbian counterpart, Nikola Selaković, an official welcoming ceremony was held at Belgrade Airport for seven iconic relics from the Holy Monastery of Chilandariou on Mount Athos.

The artifacts were transported to the Serbian capital to serve as the centerpiece of a major exhibition marking the 850th anniversary of the birth of Saint Savvas.

Among the items that arrived in Belgrade, the rare 12th-century mosaic icon of the Virgin Mary as the Guide stands out, as do the 13th-century icons of Christ Pantocrator and the Virgin Mary as the Guide, and the 17th-century icon of Saints Savvas and Symeon. Of particular historical significance is the 1199 manuscript, containing the Typikon of the Karyes Monastery of Saint Savvas. Also included are a replica of the scepter of Emperor Alexios III Angelos and a replica of the staff of Saint Savvas.

Following the ceremony to hand over the artifacts, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated: “I feel deeply honored and blessed to be here today in Belgrade to welcome these priceless artifacts. Relations between Greece and Serbia have long been friendly, forged by strong historical and cultural ties, with Orthodoxy as a common foundation. The figure of Saint Sava is of paramount importance to the Serbian Orthodox Church and significant for Orthodox Christians everywhere. The Ministry of Culture of the Hellenic Republic was delighted to grant permission for the loan of these treasures from the Chilandariou Monastery, recognizing that this exhibition is a premier cultural event of significance to all Orthodox countries in our region.”

For his part, Serbian Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković emphasized: “Today marks a historic moment for our people, as we welcome some of the most important relics kept at the Holy Monastery of Chilandariou. They reflect the golden age of medieval Serbia and the formation of our state and spiritual identity. Saint Stephen and Saint Sava laid the foundations of our government and way of life, bequeathing to us values that remain alive to this day. We warmly thank the Greek side for this gesture of brotherhood, which allows the Serbian public to connect with the sources of its national identity and Orthodox faith.”

The Minister was accompanied by Maria Levanti, the Greek Ambassador to Serbia, Flora Karagianni, Director of the European Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments, and officials from the Ministry of Culture.

The “Saint Savvas” Exhibition at the Belgrade Art Gallery

The exhibition titled “Saint Sava” is being held at the Art Gallery of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Belgrade and serves as an occasion for spiritual reflection on the 850th anniversary of the saint’s birth. It offers a multifaceted exploration of the iconic figure of the founder of the Autonomous Serbian Church, who, as a teacher, lawmaker, diplomat, and patron, laid the foundations for the cultural and national identity of the Serbian people. The exhibition highlights the deep historical ties between Greece and Serbia, focusing on the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos. The seven works from Mount Athos are complemented by a wealth of exhibits from museums and ecclesiastical institutions in Serbia, Russia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The participation of so many international institutions underscores the ecumenical influence of Saint Sava and transforms the exhibition into a bridge of cultural diplomacy and trust.