At a time when Montenegro was under pressure from an unreasonable government that threatened its most valuable assets, Cyrillic Square became a bastion of defense of freedom, Cyrillic and national identity. "Cyrillic, as a script, is not only a way of writing, but a symbol of the deepest roots of our nation," publicist and writer Zelidrag Nikčević announced today at a press conference.
As the PR Center reports, at that press conference it was announced that the 15th Trg od Cyrillic, a cultural and spiritual manifestation dedicated to the preservation of the Cyrillic script and cultural identity, will be held in Herceg-Novi from August 28 to 11, along with the celebration of significant anniversaries. rich cultural program, ceremonial opening, and awarding of prestigious awards for contribution to Serbian culture and Orthodoxy.
Archpriest-Stavrofor Obren Jovanović, archpriest and parish priest of Herceg Novi announced the program of the 11th Cyrillic Square, an event that will mark a series of significant jubilees important for the Serbian Orthodox people this year in Herceg-Novi. He said that Herceg Novi, the city of writers, artists and culture, truly cherishes the Cyrillic cultural heritage.
"This manifestation, dedicated to the preservation of the Cyrillic script and spiritual identity, gathers eminent experts, professors, doctors, academics, drama artists and many other personalities from culture and art," said Jovanović.
According to him, among the anniversaries that the Cyrillic Square will mark this year are: 800 years of the Vranjin Monastery, 770 years since the repose of the Holy Archbishop Nikodim of Serbia, 430 years since the martyrdom of the relics of Saint Sava, 530 years since the printing of "Octoiho privoglasnik", 230 years since of the founding of the Karlovac Seminary and 200 years since the consecration of the Church of the Imposition of the Holy Mother of God in Bijela.
"A special emphasis of the event will be on the jubilee dedicated to Venerable Justin Čelijski, which marks 130 years since his birth, 45 years since his death and 10 years since the revelation of his venerable relics. In honor of this great spiritual leader, an academy will be held at which Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral will speak, while Professor Dr. Bogoljub Šijaković to give a speech on the importance of Venerable Justin", said Jovanović.
He announced that the event will be officially opened on August 15, on the day of the glory of the city of Herceg-Novi, the holy archdeacon Stefan, and the event will be opened by the president of the municipality of Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić.
"On that day, the Holy Archbishop's Liturgy will be served in the Church of the Holy Savior on Topla, which will be served by Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, with the concelebration of Bishop Dimitrije of Herzegovina, numerous priests and monks from the Metropolis of Montenegro and the Littoral and other dioceses of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The official opening of the event is planned for 21:XNUMX at the Kanli Kula, with an appropriate academy and a cultural program in which the musical ensemble Fenečki Biseri, Đurđevdansko Kolo, fiddler Željko Vukčević, drama artists Goran Slavić and Ivana Žigon, Serbian Orthodox Singing Society "Sveti Sava" will take part. and vocal soloist Teodora Bajić," said Jovanović.
This manifestation, which lasts until August 28, ends on the feast day of the Savina Monastery, where the liturgy will be held.
"In addition to the grand opening and a rich program dedicated to significant anniversaries, the 11th Trg od Ćirilica in Herceg-Novi is crowned with a prestigious awards ceremony, which will take place on August 26. This year, the event continues the tradition of awarding two extremely important awards - the Seal of Herceg Šćepan and the Ćirilicnik," said Jovanović.
He explained that the Seal of Herceg Šćepan, an award given to individuals for an exceptional contribution to the preservation of Serbian culture and heritage, is going to the distinguished writer Blagoj Baković this year.
"This award represents recognition for his exceptional literary career and contribution to the preservation of truth through the written word, as well as for all that he gave to Serbian culture and identity with his work and talent," said Jovanović.
He said that the Ćiriličnik, an award given to institutions for an exceptional contribution to the preservation of the Cyrillic alphabet, Serbian culture and Orthodoxy, will this year be presented to the Serbian Orthodox Theological Seminary of St. Arsenij Sremac from Sremski Karlovac.
"This institution, one of the oldest and most important spiritual institutions of the Serbian people, played a key role in preserving identity and faith through the education of numerous generations of bishops, priests, teachers and professors. The awarding of these awards will be one of the central events of the event, and the significance of the awardees and their contribution to the preservation of Serbian culture and heritage will be discussed at the ceremony," said Jovanović.
Nikčević said that for the eleventh year in a row, Trg od Ćirilica occupies a special place among the cultural and artistic events held during the summer in Montenegro.
"This manifestation, which is considered one of the most important in the country, has become recognizable for its mission of preserving cultural and national identity. The Cyrillic Square is not just another in a series of summer manifestations - it is a symbol of the struggle to preserve the deepest identity of our people, which was seriously threatened in one period. The founding of this manifestation was blessed by the blessed Metropolitan Amfilohije, and his legacy was continued by hundreds of good people from the church, culture and art," said Nikčević.
He pointed out that the event gathers excellent artists, writers, clergy and orators, and represents a space for top artistic, religious and cultural events.
"Throughout the past decade, conversations, debates, speeches, exhibitions, concerts and many other events that contributed to the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage have been held on Trg od Čirilica. At a time when Montenegro was under pressure from an unreasonable government that threatened its greatest treasures, the Cyrillic Square became a bastion of defense of freedom, the Cyrillic alphabet and national identity. "Cyrillic, as an alphabet, is not only a way of writing, but a symbol of the deepest roots of our nation," said Nikčević.
He believes that in that struggle, the Trg od Čirilica event managed to maintain a high standard and spread beyond Herceg-Novi, the pioneer of this venture, to Bar, Cetinje, Petnjica and throughout Montenegro.
"As the beatified metropolitan said, our mission is for the whole of Montenegro to be "of Cyrillic", as it is outlined in our deepest intellectual and religious codes", said Nikčević.
He said that the Trg od Čirilica event successfully fulfills its mission and continues to be a leading force in preserving our cultural identity.
The organizer of the event is the Serbian Orthodox Church Municipality of Topaljska-Herzegovina, while the patrons are the Metropolis of Montenegro-Primorska and the Municipality of Herceg-Novi.
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