Serbian Patriarch Porfirije has paid a visit to the “Saint Sava” exhibition at the Gallery of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SANU) in Belgrade, an event organized as part of the celebrations marking the 850th anniversary of the birth of Saint Sava, the first Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

According to the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Patriarch visited the exhibition during a short break in his schedule, accompanied by members of his staff. Art historian Natalija Stokanović guided him through the collection.

During the tour, Patriarch Porfirije showed particular interest in 13th-century icons of Christ Pantocrator and the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, which once formed part of the original iconostasis of the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos. He was also reminded that the icon of the Virgin Mary was recognized as one of the greatest treasures of Byzantine art during the “Treasures of Athos” exhibition held in Thessaloniki in 1997.

The Patriarch noted that the exhibition offers a rare opportunity for people who are unable to visit the monasteries of Mount Athos to see important relics from Hilandar. He emphasized that this includes women, who are traditionally prohibited from entering the monastic republic.

Among the exhibits, Patriarch Porfirije also venerated a late 12th-century mosaic icon of the Virgin Hodegetria. According to tradition, it was before this icon that Saint Sava’s father, Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja—later canonized as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-Streaming—spent the final moments of his earthly life.

The “Saint Sava” exhibition opened in Belgrade on May 14 and features significant examples of Serbia’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The collection includes artifacts from the monasteries of Hilandar, Studenica, and Visoki Dečani, as well as items from the Museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the National Library of Serbia, and the Archives of SANU.

Visitors can explore historical documents, ancient manuscripts, icons, frescoes, ecclesiastical artworks, and multimedia presentations highlighting the life and legacy of Saint Sava, one of the most influential figures in Serbian history, culture, and religious tradition. Other notable exhibits include the abbot’s staff of Hilandar Monastery, the pastoral staff associated with Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, rare manuscripts, and valuable works of church art.

The exhibition is expected to remain one of the central cultural events commemorating Saint Sava’s 850th birth anniversary, offering visitors a unique glimpse into centuries of Serbian Orthodox heritage.