EAST SARAJEVO WELCOMES “DAYS OF HILANDAR” – A UNIQUE CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

This June, East Sarajevo will become the heart of a remarkable cultural and spiritual gathering. With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hrizostom of Dabar-Bosna, the city will host the “Days of Hilandar in East Sarajevo” from June 1 to 5 — a five-day journey into the heritage, faith, and art of one of the most important Orthodox monasteries: Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos.

The event opens on June 1 with a Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. Basil of Ostrog in East Ilidža, setting the tone for a week of inspiration. Later that day, visitors can enjoy a stunning photography exhibition titled “Through the Lens of a Hilandar Monk”, opening at 6 PM in the Žarko Vidović Gallery. For those in the surrounding area, the exhibition will also be shown at the Cultural Center in Pale on June 4 at 6 PM.
More than just an art show, this exhibition is charity-oriented — all proceeds from the sale of the photographs will support the construction of an oil press at Hilandar Monastery.

On June 2 at 6 PM, don’t miss a special lecture by Archimandrite Metodije, Abbot of Hilandar, at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in East Sarajevo:
“If We Suffer with Christ, We Shall Also Reign with Him – The Meaning of Suffering for Orthodox Christians.”

A second lecture will follow on June 4 at 7 PM at the Cultural Center in Pale, where the Abbot will speak on:
“Saint Sava as a Monk of Mount Athos.”

According to Marinko Božović, Mayor of East Ilidža — one of the event organizers — this is one of the most important cultural happenings of 2025.

“It is a great honor and blessing for our municipality to welcome the Abbot of Hilandar for the first time. This year also marks 850 years since the birth of Saint Sava, which gives this event even deeper meaning,” Božović said, inviting everyone to attend.

Organizers: Hilandar Monastery, the municipalities of East Ilidža and Pale, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (University of East Sarajevo), the Žarko Vidović Gallery, and the Orthodox Humanitarian Association “Saint Sava” (Pale).
Admission is free for all events.

Plan your visit to East Sarajevo this June and experience an unforgettable blend of spirituality, tradition, and culture!