To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Visoki Dečani Monastery’s inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Serbian Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the Diocese of Raška and Prizren, curated an exhibition at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The exhibition showcases the exceptional universal value of Serbian heritage sites in Kosovo and Metohija and upholds UNESCO’s mission to safeguard cultural heritage globally.
Opening Ceremony and Distinguished Guests
The opening ceremony, held in the Segur Hall, featured speeches by Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, and Mr. Arnaud Gouillon, Director of the Serbian Government’s Office for Public and Cultural Diplomacy. Dr. Nikola Selaković, Serbia’s Minister of Culture, highlighted the Ministry’s extensive initiatives to protect Serbian sacred and cultural monuments in Kosovo and Metohija, many of which are designated as World Heritage in Danger.
The exhibition was officially launched by Patriarch Porfirije of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The Patriarch underscored the spiritual and cultural significance of Visoki Dečani, likening its radiance to that of Paris, the “City of Light.” He emphasized the monastery’s enduring role as a symbol of faith and resilience, especially in challenging times.
“Visoki Dečani serves as a testament that light is the ultimate guide for humanity, even in times of darkness,” said Patriarch Porfirije, underscoring the monastery’s importance as a hub of spiritual transformation and global significance.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The exhibition also recognizes the inclusion of three other Serbian sites in Kosovo and Metohija on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in Danger: the Patriarchate of Peć, Gračanica Monastery, and the Church of the Virgin of Ljeviša. These sites, renowned for their medieval Serbian art and Christian heritage, represent pivotal aspects of Serbian ecclesiastical and national history.
Despite their universal value, Serbian cultural heritage in Kosovo and Metohija faces significant threats. Efforts to distort history and rename these monuments have resulted in ongoing attacks on Orthodox churches, cultural assets, and worshippers. In 2023 and 2024 alone, 31 incidents of vandalism and desecration were documented, underscoring the urgent need for protection.
Musical Performance and International Recognition
The event concluded with a concert by the choir of the Theological Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Prizren. Notable attendees included senior clergy members like Metropolitan Teodosije of Raška and Prizren and Bishop Justin of Paris and Western Europe, along with cultural and religious dignitaries.
Visoki Dečani and its companion sites are recognized not only as treasures of Serbia but also as invaluable contributions to global heritage. UNESCO’s ongoing preservation of these monuments reflects the organization’s dedication to safeguarding sites of cultural and spiritual importance for future generations.
UNESCO’s Role in Safeguarding World Heritage
Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote peace through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. Its World Heritage Program, initiated in 1972, has identified and protected 1,172 sites of cultural and natural significance worldwide. Since becoming a UNESCO member in 2000, Serbia has five cultural sites on the World Heritage List, including medieval Serbian monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija, which are among Europe’s most endangered heritage sites.
Source: Patriarchate of Serbia
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