Serbian Orthodox Church

Information Service of
the Serbian Orthodox Church
June 9, 2004

EXHIBITION OF ICONS AT SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH ACADEMY

On the evening of June 8, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. in the studio of the Academy of Arts and Conservation of the Theological Faculty of the Serbian Orthodox Church located at Kralja Petra I Street number 2, His Grace Bishop Ignjatije of Branicevo opened the year-end exhibition of works of art and conservation by the students of this church educational institute. In addition to the dean of the Serbian Orthodox Church Academy, Archpriest Dr. Radomir Popovic and all the professors, the Republic of Serbia’s Minister for Religions, Mr. Milan Radulovic, representatives of the media and art lovers also attended the opening.

First the Women’s Choir of the Theological Faculty of the Serbian Orthodox Church under the direction of Predrag Miodrag, M.Mus., sang “Care Nebeski” (The King of Heaven). Then the dean of the Serbian Orthodox Church Academy, Archpriest Dr. Radomir Popovic welcomed all present and introduced this young church educational institute, emphasizing the need to represent the Academy at all cultural and academic levels. In his address, Bishop Ignjatije dealt with two key moments of modern society and iconography. The Bishop emphasized that modern society is informed through visual representation and pictures, and thus icons, frescoes and mosaics are the best missionary tools the Church can offer. However, frescoes must be founded on true and experienced theology. The fresco painter must know all the dogmatic truths of the Orthodox Church in order to bear witness to and form the Resurrected Christ, who is the Creator and Redeemer of the world, and His saints. Bishop Ignjatije agreed with the opinion of the dean that this higher educational art institute is the only one of its kind in the Serbian Orthodox Church and, as such, the right place for the nurturing of iconography, fresco painting and all other forms of religious fine arts. Republic of Serbia Minister for Religions, Mr. Milan Radulovic, also expressed agreement with the idea of advanced study for fresco painters and conservators for the good and benefit of the Orthodox Church and added that the Ministry of Religions will always remain at the service of the Academy for Arts and Conservation of the Theological Faculty of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

After the opening of the exhibition, the guests carefully viewed all the exhibited exponents and a special cocktail reception was also prepared.

The exhibition will be open until June 30, 2004 in the studio of the Serbian Orthodox Church Academy located in Kralja Petra I Street number 2.

ORTHODOXY SPREADING IN TANZANIA

Orthodoxy is spreading rapidly in the Diocese of Bukoba in Tanzania. The Diocese's mission efforts are focused on increasing the number of communities and faithful, deepening the Orthodox Faith among the newly illumined and expressing the Faith in good works.

Their efforts are bearing great fruit! In 2003, twenty new communities sprouted up, over 3,000 people were baptized and more than 1,000 people had their marriages blessed. This mission Diocese now has 140 Orthodox communities and 20 priests.

Significant progress has also been made in locally training needed clergy and catechists for the Diocese. In 2003, the first 10 students of the Kasikizi Catechetical School graduated. Four were ordained as deacons and the other six were commissioned as catechists. In the 2003/2004 year, there are 17 more students being trained as future Church leaders who will continue missionary activities in Africa.

Source: www.scoba.us/news

[Serbian Translation Services]