In the framework of the city festivities Days of St. Emperor Constantine and Empress Helen, 3-5 June, when Niš citizens celebrate the name and deed of St. Emperor Constantine and Empress Helen, for the ninth time - the international scientific symposium of byzantologists “Niš and Byzantium” was held. The City of Niš and the Niš University were honored once again to host the meeting of the most prominent researchers of both Niš and Byzantine past. The Organization committee, consisting of the well known world scientists headed by His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej, and the working group of the Scientific Board (city councilor Miodrag Radovic, dr Misa Rakocija, dr Franc Curk, dr Hranislav Andjelkovic, Milica Todorovic, Marica Maksimovic, dr Goran Maksimovic, dr Dimostenis Stratigopoulos, Irena Ljubomirovic, Miomir Vasov, Elena Vasic Petrovic, Olgica Davidovic, Ana Misic), created and realized successfully “Niš and Byzantium IX”, had the Proceedings printed and covered with CD version and link on the website (http://www.nisandbyzantium.org.rs). Equally important was the traditional support of the city municipality Medijana and its president Mr. Dragoslav Cirkovic.

Hiss Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej,
symposium “Niš and Byzantium IX” opening ceremony

This story began in 2002 when the international symposium project “Nis and Byzantium” was elaborated and initiated with the idea to organize the scientific meeting annually on the day of St. Emperor Constantine and Empress Helena, with the goal to profile it until 2013, the year of the Edict of Milan anniversary, as one of the eminent European scientific symposiums on the theme of Byzantine civilization, culture and art. In this year, 2010, we can doubtless say that the symposium “Nis and Byzantium” turned into the most eminent traditional byzantologists meetings. Scientists from all over the world have focused their research and knowledge on Nis and Byzantium issue what has resulted in changed, more thorough and additional knowledge on the glorious city of Nis. After nine years of being held, thanks to the scientific arguments, Nis has taken a visible position in cultural map of Europe. Due to high scientific quality level of the work papers published in the Proceedings these findings were sent to the institutions, faculties and libraries worldwide. This way the symposium „Nis and Byzantium” gained a great respect in the scientific audience what has made the concept “2002 to 2013” coming true. Niš is going to meet 2013 readily.

The City of Niš is proud on St. Emperor Constantine who stood by his acts for the unity of the Empire and unity of the Christian religion. This year international scientific symposium will be in sign of marking 1700 years of Edict of Milan introduction. Knowledge and scientific facts enabled glory for good to the Constantine’s city, reaffirming the significance of Niš for the Christianity recognition and forming of Byzantine state, civilization and art.

We will mark the great Christian jubilee through emphasis of the knowledge of eminent scientists, “Niš and Byzantium” symposium participants. Joining our efforts we will do reasearch study, perform conzervation and restoring works and present Nis left behind early-Christian treasure.

The City of Niš with the Constantine sign on the flag goes towards 2013. The anniversary year of 2013 will be celebrated by the entire Christian world and particularly in a special way by the City of Niš due to the fact that in Niš was born and grew up the mighty Roman emperor Constantine the Great.

PhD Dragan Vojvodic, symposium
“Niš and Byzantium IX” opening ceremony

This year symposium was designed as one step more towards the marking of the Edict of Milan anniversary.

As in previous years, the symposium „Niš and Byzantium IX“ began its work with the bless of His Holiness Serbian Patriacrch Irinej. The opening ceremony was continued with the welcome word of the Deputy Mayor Miodrag Manic. On behalf of the Niš University the guests were welcomed by PhD Slobodan Antic, Niš University pro-rector.

Symposium participants

With no hiding his admire for the Niš symposium, H.E. Mr. Georgi Psiachas addressed the present guests, indicating its importance for the contemporary European civilization. The symposium was opened by PhD Dragan Vojvodic, from Belgrade. The Proceedings „Niš and Byzantium“ with the works from the previous symposium and its CD version were presented by dr Svetlana Pejic (Belgrade). The opening ceremony was magnified also by the presentation of the scientific documentary „The Roots of Christianity in Nis“ (authored by dr Misa Rakocija, directed by Jovica Krstic, camera by Vladica Damnjanovic) produced by NTV (Niska televizija).

The interest for „Niš and Byzantium“ is increasing from year to year. This year 44 paper works were submitted. The City of Niš has put effort and in spite the economic crisis conditions, invited 38 participants from: Great Britain, Sweden, USA, Italy, Russia, Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Serbia. The number of foreign participants again has exceeded those from the country, reconfirming the gained significance.

After the reception at the City Hall and the Niš Symphonic Orchestra concert in the honor of the respected guests, the participants visited the early Byzantine tomb in Niska Banja and early Christian font at Mediana. It was an opportunity to continue the discussion outside in the field, what was of immeasurable benefit for rightful comprehension and revalorisation of the Niš monumental heritge.