An exhibition of artistic photographs titled “Sacred Sites of St. Petersburg,” by photographer Miodrag Branković, opened at the East Novo Sarajevo Cultural Center, showcasing the architectural splendor and spiritual heritage of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Church of the Resurrection of Christ.
The exhibition features 30 photographs printed on canvas, with 15 dedicated to each of the two churches, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the religious, cultural and artistic treasures of St. Petersburg.
Branković explained that the exhibition, organized with the blessing of Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije, had previously been presented in Belgrade, Vršac, Banja Luka, Podgorica, Pljevlja, Herceg Novi and Trebinje.
“Many people do not have the opportunity to travel to St. Petersburg, and this exhibition allows them to become familiar with the city’s spirituality and its churches,” Branković said.
Exhibition to remain open until November 1
The photographer noted that the exhibition is not intended for commercial sale and will remain on display in East Novo Sarajevo until November 1.
Further presentations are planned in Niš and Novi Sad, while discussions about additional venues are expected to continue.
Branković also recalled that his exhibition featuring Serb monasteries had previously been presented in Russia. In return, he organized an exhibition dedicated to Russian sacred sites in Serbia, Republika Srpska and Montenegro.
“All my exhibitions have been exceptionally well received. Many people cannot travel to Russia, so this is a unique opportunity for them to experience the spirituality of St. Petersburg and its churches,” he explained.
Strengthening cultural and spiritual ties between Republika Srpska and Russia
East Sarajevo Mayor Ljubiša Ćosić, who officially opened the exhibition, described the event as another confirmation of the strong historical and cultural connections between the Serb and Russian peoples.
He expressed hope that the exhibition would encourage more residents of East Sarajevo to visit St. Petersburg and other parts of Russia, while also attracting Russian visitors to East Sarajevo.
“The bond between Republika Srpska and the Russian Federation, and between the Serb and Russian peoples, is enormous and unbreakable. The same can be said of the relationship between East Sarajevo and cities across the Russian Federation,” Ćosić said.
Nikolina Pandurević, director of the East Novo Sarajevo Cultural Center, emphasized that the exhibition contributes to strengthening the longstanding spiritual ties between Russia and Republika Srpska.
She also announced that the Cultural Center had received a medal from the State Museum of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in recognition of its role in organizing and hosting the exhibition.
Pandurević thanked the museum’s director and photographer Miodrag Branković for the recognition.
Additional awards were presented to Mayor Ćosić for the city’s institutional support and to East Sarajevo businessman and humanitarian Dragan Ostojić.
Russian Embassy: Art builds bridges between peoples
The exhibition opening was attended by representatives of the Russian Embassy in BiH and clergy of the Serb Orthodox Church.
The choir of the Sloga Serb Choral Society from Sarajevo also performed during the ceremony.
Addressing the audience, Ilya Serov, an attaché at the Russian Embassy in BiH, described the exhibition as much more than a collection of photographs.
“This project is more than a gallery of images. It is a bridge between our peoples, built through art, history and spirituality,” Serov said.
“The sacred sites depicted in these photographs are not merely cultural monuments. They are symbols of our shared Orthodox heritage, connecting Russia and St. Petersburg with Republika Srpska,” he added.
The exhibition was organized through cooperation between the State Museum of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the East Novo Sarajevo Cultural Center. Admission is free.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
St. Isaac’s Cathedral, dedicated to St. Isaac of Dalmatia, is one of St. Petersburg’s most important architectural landmarks and the city’s largest Orthodox church.
Designed by architect Auguste de Montferrand, the cathedral is distinguished by its monumental dome and richly decorated interior, featuring mosaics, paintings and ornamental stone.
The Church of the Resurrection of Christ, commonly known as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, was constructed between 1883 and 1907 on the site where Russian Emperor Alexander II was fatally wounded.
The church is renowned for its colorful domes and elaborate mosaics covering more than 7,000 square meters, making it one of Europe’s most significant examples of monumental mosaic art.
Awards recognizing contributions to the exhibition
Several medals associated with St. Isaac’s Cathedral were presented during the opening ceremony.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral “Benefactor” Medal
Awarded to the East Novo Sarajevo Cultural Center and its director, Nikolina Pandurević, in recognition of their work in organizing and hosting the exhibition.
Commemorative Medal Marking the 165th Anniversary of St. Isaac’s Cathedral
Presented to Dragan Ostojić, a prominent businessman and humanitarian from East Sarajevo, who initiated the idea and made a significant contribution to bringing the exhibition to the city.
Commemorative Medal Marking the 165th Anniversary of St. Isaac’s Cathedral
Presented to East Sarajevo Mayor Ljubiša Ćosić in recognition of the city’s institutional support for the exhibition.
Source: Glas Srpske
