ESD 17:45:31 13-08-2021
DT1745ES.116
116 CULTURE - CULTURAL INSTITUTE - GALLERY

Mission Gallery Reopens after Renovation
with Exhibition of Miracle-working Icons
and Holy Relics in the Balkans


Sofia, August 13 (BTA) - The Mission Gallery with the State Cultural Institute reopened after renovation Friday with an exhibition titled ''Miracle-working Icons and Holy Relics in the Balkans'', the Foreign Ministry said. The gallery was unveiled by caretaker Foreign Minister Svetlan Stoev.

Mission Gallery was established 12 years ago with the aim to be a place for artistic events and a catalyst of cultural dialogue.

''In my career of 35 years I have learnt that cultural diplomacy is the most direct way to reach the hearts and minds of people,'' Stoev noted in his address, adding that it frequently helps to achieve results that are difficult to achieve by political means only.

The exhibition ''Miracle-working Icons and Holy Relics in the Balkans'' is dedicated to Christian culture in the Balkans and its symbol, the icon. Twenty-five panels show churches and monasteries housing miracle-working icons and holy relics. The exhibition was prepared by the team of the State Cultural Institute and medievalists from the Prof. Ivan Dujcev Centre for Slavo-Byzantine Studies at the St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia.

''Miracle-working Icons and Holy Relics in the Balkans'' is a story about common roots, common ways of thinking and spiritual values, Prof. Vassya Velinova of the Ivan Dujcev Centre said at the opening of the exhibition.

The exhibition is one of the State Cultural Institute's travelling exhibitions. At the opening ceremony, Minister Stoev wished for it be presented in as many countries as possible where Bulgaria has diplomatic missions.