Report On International Symposium of Byzantine Scholars

TWENTY YEARS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM OF BYZANTOLOGISTS NIŠ AND BYZANTIUM XX

“In Memory of His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej“

Dr Miša Rakocija

This year we marked the 20th anniversary of the Symposium Niš and Byzantium. This great jubilee for our small town was celebrated in the shadow of the pandemic. And now, like countless times in the past, evil is losing its strength and retreating before the perseverance of the human race. The Symposium Niš and Byzantium also contributed to that victory over evil, gathering prominent Byzantine scholars this year as well, all thanks to the City of Niš, the Diocese of Niš, the University of Niš and the Niš Cultural Center. Until this year, the Symposium was always held with the blessing of the late Serbian Patriarch Irinej, longtime Bishop of Niš.

After twenty years of organizing the Symposium Niš and Byzantium we can say that we have succeeded. The Symposium is included in a small group of renowned international scientific gatherings of Byzantine scholars, and today Niš is known as the hometown of Emperor Constantine the Great and known as a place of study of Byzantine civilization, culture, art and spirituality. The International Symposium Niš and Byzantium is highly ranked in the scientific world, but also especially respected among the citizens of Niš, so that it has become a recognizable brand by which Niš is known outside our country.

During the twenty years of the Symposium Niš and Byzantium about 750 prominent researchers and scientists from over 30 countries, 12 of them academician, presented their papers. After each meeting, the proceedings and its electronic version (CD) are printed, which is posted on the symposium website as part of the official presentation of the City of Niš. The proceedings will be promoted next year at the opening of the Symposium. 19 issues were printed continuously, each issue is 600 pages long on average. On the occasion of the anniversary of the Edict of Milan, in 2013, a special edition of Niš and Christian Heritage was printed. A total of about 11,000 pages of new knowledge and discoveries from history, art history, archeology, architecture, theology, protection of cultural heritage. There is no serious researcher who does not use the Niš and Byzantium Proceedings in his or her work, and that will be the case for many decades to come.

Opening of the Nis and Byzantium Symposium I, 2002, Bishop of Niš later Serbian Patriarch Irinej,
Academician Dejan Medaković, the President of Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts

A significant achievement of Niš gathering of Byzantine scholars, along with visible scientific results, is the popularization of Byzantine studies as a science, the affirmation of the Niš, established cooperation between colleagues, new acquaintances, exchange of knowledge and experience. A large number of young researchers presented their discoveries, with visible nervousness, here for the first time. Today, some of them are doctors of science, and others have become academicians. During this time, the best left us, leaving behind works that are insensitive to time. Academician Dejan Medaković left us first, then Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Jovanović, Prof. Dr. Radovan Bigović, Dr. Slobodan Mileusnić, Prof. Dr. Miodrag Jovanović, Prof. Dr.. Branko Vujović, Dr. Cone Draževa, Dr. Aleksandar Popović, Academician Cvetan Grozdanov, Academician Slobodan Ćurčić, Dr. Evangelija Hadžitrifonos, Dr. Miroslav Jeremić, Dr. Marko Popović.

The topic of each scientific symposium is both Niš and Byzantium reminding us of certain person or a significant event. The first gathering of Byzantine scholars in Niš, in 2002, entitled Niš and Byzantine Art was opened by the President of Serbian Academy of Science and Art at that time, Academician Dejan Medaković. The following year, in 2003, prominent researchers gathered around the topic Byzantine Foundations of Modern Europe and the Symposium was opened by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Serbia Branislav Lečić. In 2004 Byzantine scholars reminded of the most tragic cultural event in the history of Europe, 800 Years since the Fall of Constantinople and the gathering was opened by Dr. Radivoje Radić. In 2005 the Symposium was dedicated to Gabriel Millet and it was opened by Academician Cvetan Grozdanov. The following year, 2006, 1700th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Constantine as Emperor was marked with the support of the Ministry of Education and Religion of the Hellenic Republic, and the Symposium was opened by the Consul of the Hellenic Republic Mr. Athanasios Anastopoulos. In 2007 the scientific gathering reminded the public with its topic that 1760 Years Have Passed since the Death of the Holy Emperor Constantine the Great and it was opened by Dr. Carolyn Snyvely. In 2008 the knowledge of the participants of the 7th gathering was directed In Honor of St. Emperor Constantine and Empress Helena and it was opened by Academician Vera Bitrakova Grozdanova. The 8th gathering in 2009 was dedicated to the Memory of Academician Dejan Medaković with appropriate opening by Academician Dinko Davidov. In 2010, with the 9th gathering, we headed Towards the Celebration of the Edict of Milan Anniversary with the opening address by Dr. Dragan Vojvodić, a corresponding member of Serbian Academy of Science and Art. Niš - Martyriopolis and the Imperial City is the title of the 10th gathering in 2011 opened by the Austrian Academician Renata Pillinger. The 11th gathering in 2012 entitled Holy Emperor Constantine and the Heritage of Europe was opened by Academician Ljubomir Maksimović. The 12th Symposium entitled Constantine, In Hoc Signo Vinces: 313 - 2013, held in the year of great jubilee 2013, was opened by Academician Slobodan Ćurčić. In 2014 the 13th gathering entitled Stefan Nemanja between East and West was opened by Dr. Srdjan Pirivatrić. In 2015 the 14th gathering entitled Cities and Citizens of the Byzantine World was opened by the corresponding member of Serbian Academy of Science and Art Prof. Dr. Miodrag Marković, while in 2016 the 15th gathering on the topic of Byzantium through Time and Space was opened by a corresponding member of the French and Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts Dr. Vujadin Ivanišević. At the 16th gathering in 2017 we were reminded of the Roman Wreath of the Orthodox Kingdom - 800 Years since the Coronation of Stephen the First-Crowned and the gathering was opened by Academician Dr. Ljubomir Maksimović.Then the 17th gathering in 2018 on the topic of Restoration of Byzantium in the Balkans in 1018 was opened by Dr. Marko Popović. In 2019, with the 18th gathering, we marked 800 Years of Autocephaly of the Serbian Church (1219-2019): Church, Politics and Art in Byzantium and Neighboring Countries with opening address by Dr. Vesna Bikić. The 19th gathering in 2020 was dedicated to the Praise to the Truth or Resurrection of Byzantium opened by Dr. Elizabeta Dimitrova.

The international scientific reputation of the Symposium Niš and Byzantium was a good reason to present the Niš Symposium of Byzantine Scholars within the International Congress of Byzantine Studies in Belgrade in 2016. An impressive affirmative poster (155x130 cm) with pictures and words informed the congress participants about the significance and achievements of the International Symposium Niš and Byzantium, which was being held in Niš with the blessing of the Serbian Patriarch His Holiness Mr. Irinej. At that time, it was also an opportunity for Niš Cultural Center to exhibit Niš and Byzantium Symposium Proceedings at the Belgrade Book Fair, as an accompanying event to the Congress of Byzantine Scholars.

The presence of the Niš Symposium at the International Congress of Byzantine Scientists is an exceptional honour and a firm confirmation that the “Niš and Byzantium” Symposium is highly ranked in the scientific world, while Niš is recognized by the international community as a center for studying Byzantine art, culture, civilization and spirituality. Thus, Niš gained a lot in its reputation and importance.

Until this year Niš and Byzantium Symposium was being held with the great support, understanding and blessing of the late Serbian Patriarch Irinej. For that reason and as the token of gratitude, this year, the Symposium is being held In the Memory of His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej. Serbian Patriarch Irinej (1930-2020) began his monastic life in 1959. The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church appointed him first a professor and then a Dean of Prizren Theological Seminary. Even after that he continued teaching as the Principal of the monastic school at the Ostrog Monastery. He was enthroned as diocesan Bishop of Niš in 1975. In the 1700-year-old history of the Diocese of Niš the time of the episcopate of the consecrated Bishop Irinej was marked by the largest number of renovated and built churches, both in Niš and in the entire Diocese of Niš. In the time of Bishop of Niš Irinej most books and scientific papers were written about our shrines, which contributed to clarifying many unknowns from the rich Christian past of the famous Niš City.

We can see the love for science in the support and great commitment that the most reverend Bishop of Niš Irinej then showed to the preparation and organization of the international Symposium of Byzantine Scholars Niš. From the first gathering of Byzantine scholars in Niš back in 2002 until 2020 the participants in the symposium presented their papers with the blessing from the most reverend Bishop of Niš first, and later His Holiness Patriarch of Serbia Irinej. All 19 proceedings were printed with the blessing of the Bishop and later Patriarch Irinej. The blessing is the reason for the long duration of Niš and Byzantium Symposium.

As Serbian Patriarch His Holiness Irinej always found time to come to Niš and address the symposium participants. When that was not possible he would address the participants of the symposium with a letter that revealed how much it meant to him that Niš and Byzantium Symposium survived and lasted. This happened in 2015, when, at the opening of the symposium, the letter from Patriarch Irinej was read to the participants, which we bring here in full:

"My dear citizens of Niš and the participants in the Scientific Symposium Niš and Byzantium,

I regret that I am not able to attend a significant international gathering dedicated to Niš and its relationship with Byzantium and Byzantine culture. Although I am not physically present I am always with you in spirit and thought. I am looking forward to every success of the famous Constantine’s city and I wish for the city a lot of success in all fields of culture and economy.

I cordially greet the participants of the symposium and wish them fruitful work.

Your Former Bishop of Niš and Patriarch of Serbia”

+IRINEJ

In the atmosphere of weakened pandemic the gathering was held combing live and online participation. A significant number of participants came to Niš (seven from Russia, ...). and they presented their papers live. Participants who could not come were included online. The third ones, who did not come, and for some reason could not join online, sent their web presentations which were broadcast in accordance with the schedule.

Opening of the Symposium, Blessing of the Bishop of Niš Arsenije, Online and Live

Opening of the Symposium, Introductory Speech by Dr. Miša Rakocija, Chaired by: Ivana Jocić,
Prof. Dr. Franz Curk, Prof. Dr. Irena Ljubomirović, Priest Aleksandar Djordjev

The beginning of the Symposium was scheduled, as every year, live for June 3 at 5.30 pm with the grand opening in the big hall of the University of Niš. And now, as in the past, with the blessing of the Most Reverend Bishop of Niš and later His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, Niš and Byzantium Symposium began its work with the blessing of the Bishop of Niš Mr. Arsenije. After the introductory speech by Dr. Miša Rakocija, the Deputy Mayor Dušica Davidović greeted the audience, emphasizing the importance of the gathering for Niš, its reputation in the world and the readiness of the City of Niš to gather and host prominent Byzantine scholars every year. On behalf of the University of Niš the Vice-Dean Prof. Dr. Vesna Lopičić greeted the guests. The proceedings was presented by Prof. Dr. Ariadna Voronova from the Orthodox St. Tikhon University of Humanities in Moscow. The opening of the symposium, the presentation of papers and the web presentation can be seen on the symposium website.

Reception at Niš City Hall, Deputy Mayor Dušica Davidović with the participants of the Symposium

Reception at Niš City Hall, Address by Prof. Dr. Ana Zakharova (Moscow)

This year, 54 authors applied. Due to understandable technical reasons 12 authors were asked to come to Niš next year. This year, 42 participants gave their contribution to the study of Byzantine and Serbian spirituality, civilization and art.

The Participants of the Symposium

At the end, the participants of the symposium were received at the City Hall by the Deputy Mayor Mrs. Dušica Davidović. The audience was addressed by Prof. Dr. Ana Zakharova from Lomonosov University in Moscow pointing out the exceptional importance and scientific representativeness of the Nis Symposium of Byzantine scholars. After the reception, the guests visited the Fortress, the Cathedral Church in Niš and the Museum of Church Antiquities.

In the Museum of Church Antiquities, Deacon Dalibor Midić, Prof. Dr. Ana Zakharova (Moscow),
Dr. Svetlana Malceva (St. Petersburg), Dr. Nebojša Stanković (Niš)