Seventy works of art, hagiographies and gemstone sculptures, contemporary examples of the Byzantine tradition from Mount Athos will be exhibited for the first time to the public.
The exhibition of hagiographic works of hieromonk f. Lucas from the Xenophontos monastery will take place under the title “Xenophontos artistic workshop” at the Sismanoglio Mansion in Constantinople from April 17 to May 17. Mount Athos, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of Greece in Constantinople will be in charge of the organisation.
“The aim of the exhibition is to show what have great advantages, by promoting our cultural output. And this report is only the beginning,” stressed Deputy Foreign Minister Markos Bolaris at the press conference held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to present the initiative, in the presence of f. Luke.
“It is a duty of the State and of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to highlight the products of contemporary art, which is a continuum of our history,” said Markos Bolaris, while explaining that this exhibition is addressed to the great audience of Constantinople.
“We have a great culture and our responsibility is to promote it,” said f. Lucas, thanking the deputy minister for his initiative.
“Mount Athos is a living place where the tradition of hundreds of years still survives. We try to show the glory of Byzantium and Byzantine high art,” he added. He also said: “We must send a message through art that is unique”.
Asked to comment on recent statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Hagia Sophia, the deputy minister stressed that Greece was always referring to International Law, which also has to do with culture. “Our challenge and invitation to all is to respect International Law, international regulations, our neighbors and promote friendly relationships that create a good climate for the well-being and prosperity of the peoples,” said Markos Bolaris.
At the same time, the deputy Foreign minister expressed his conviction that Erdogan and the Turkish government would allow the reopening of the Halki seminary, stressing that this would be the biggest step for Turkey that would stop the criticism of the violation of human rights.
SOURCE: ANA-MPA