A major historical exhibition dedicated to Saint Sava was solemnly inaugurated on May 14, 2026, at the Gallery of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Belgrade, marking the 850th anniversary of the birth of Rastko Nemanjić — Saint Sava, the founder and first Archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Church.
The exhibition, simply titled “Saint Sava,” is considered one of the most significant cultural events in Serbia this year. It presents rare manuscripts, icons, archival material, church treasures, and multimedia exhibits illuminating the life, spiritual mission, and enduring legacy of the revered Serbian saint, educator, diplomat, legislator, and founder of Serbian ecclesiastical identity.
The exhibition was officially opened by Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, who described the event as “a doorway into eight centuries of Serbian spiritual, cultural, and historical memory gathered around the personality of Saint Sava.”
“Saint Sava’s legacy was not built on force, but on truth, justice, enlightenment, and spiritual responsibility,” Patriarch Porfirije emphasized during his address.
The Serbian Patriarch stressed that the exhibition is far more than a commemorative event, noting that it reveals the continuous presence of Saint Sava throughout Serbian history and culture — from medieval monasteries and manuscripts to contemporary artistic expression.
A special highlight of the exhibition is the presence of sacred treasures brought from the Hilandar Monastery, including icons before which Saint Sava and Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming once prayed, the Kareya Typikon, and replicas of the famous icon of the Virgin Mary “Three-Handed.”
Addressing those gathered, Serbian Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković described Saint Sava as “one of the foundations of Serbian existence,” adding that without his work “it is difficult to imagine the spiritual face of Serbia, its literacy, culture, and statehood.”
Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni also attended the opening ceremony and highlighted the deep historical and spiritual bonds between the Serbian and Greek peoples.
“This exhibition represents an important cultural event not only for Serbia, but for the entire Orthodox world and the broader European cultural heritage,” she said.
The exhibition was jointly organized by the Museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, with contributions from numerous monasteries, museums, libraries, and institutions from Serbia and Greece.
The exhibition will remain open to the public from May 15 until July 19, offering visitors a rare opportunity to venerate and view some of the most treasured relics and artistic works connected with Saint Sava and the spiritual history of the Serbian people.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
