Đorđe Milićević, minister without portfolio in charge of monitoring the situation, proposing measures and taking part in the coordination of activities in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora, attended the traditional event St Nicholas Concert in Trieste, held on the occasion of the feast of St Nicholas, the slava of the Serbian Cultural and Artistic Society Pontes-Mostovi.

This society, founded in May 2008, brings together our compatriots living in Italy, who are united by their love for Serbian cultural heritage and desire to be as active as possible in the local community. The most active in the society is the folklore section, which currently has more than a hundred members, and consists of four dancing groups and a female singing group.

Greeting the gathering, Milićević noted the immeasurable value of cultural and artistic societies as guardians of Serbian cultural heritage and symbols of Serbian culture, especially beyond the borders of our country, because in addition to passing down love for the homeland to younger generations through dances and songs from different regions of Serbia, they also spread and present our country and culture to the environment where they live. ‘Every step of a folk dance kolo, every sound of a folk song is a thread that connects the past with the present, and through their dancing, singing and musical skills, generations and generations of young people have presented the beauty and value of the cultural heritage of their region and their country,’ said Milićević.

He added that members of the Cultural and Artistic Society Pontes-Mostovi were our country’s special ambassadors with their performances, not only in the Republic of Italy, but everywhere they had the opportunity to present their skill.

‘The purpose of your existence is clear, your very name Pontes-Mostovi says that you are a bridge that connects people and fosters good relations,’ said the minister.

Earlier today, Milićević visited the Church of Saint Spyridon the Miracle Worker in Trieste and met with priest Raško Radović, who introduced him to the history of the church, which is not only a gathering place for Serbs in this part of Italy, but also for other Orthodox Christians, and in addition to being a place of worship, this sanctuary also assists its believers with administrative issues.

After the tour of the church, the Minister met with representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church Municipality led by Zlatimir Selaković, President of the SOCM, who introduced the minister to the challenging history of the Serbian Orthodox Church Municipality, whose roots date back to the eighteenth century and which has successfully preserved Orthodoxy in Italy throughout the centuries.

Source: Radio Television of Serbia – Office of the Minister

Photo: Dušan Veljović