VISIT TO RUMA

Exhibition of icons from the Church of Saint George in Oplenac at the Museum of Ruma

Belgrade, 29 August 2003 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine visited Ruma today where the Crown Prince opened the exhibition of icons from the Church of Saint George in Oplenac at the Museum of Ruma.

The Museum of Ruma organized this important exhibition in cooperation with the Foundation of King Peter I Karadjordjevic, and it is going to be open until the end of September. The collection was created from the icons that HM King Peter I and HM King Alexander I used to receive as presents after coronation and during their reign. Among 37 exhibited icons were the gilded triptych that was the gift from Tsar Nikola II to King Peter I, the icon of St. Andrew the First Called, Patron Saint of the Karadjordjevics, 7 icons from Athos, the icon of Tear Shedding Madonna of Tihvin with Christ, the icons of St. Sava and St. Simeon and many others.

Their Royal Highnesses first visited the Town Hall of Ruma where they were welcomed by the Mayor Mr. Dusan Stojkovic with his associates, who organized a small reception for the distinguished guests. They presented the current situation in their Municipality in the areas of education, infrastructure, culture and economy as well as the plans for improving the irrigation system which would make everyday life of the citizens easier.

After the reception, followed the opening of the exhibition of icons at the Museum of Ruma. After the welcoming speech by the Museum’s curator Mr. Goran Sovilj who thanked the Crown Prince for accepting to open such an important cultural event, the Crown Prince emphasized that the icons are inseparable part of our tradition, which is the foundation both of our present and our future.

“Only with respect of our tradition shall we successfully face the challenges ahead us. We have a historical chance to make our country truly democratic and European. We are going to make it if we believe in our roots and respect our ancestors”.

Thanking everybody for the warm welcome, the Crown Prince pronounced the exhibition opened.

Beside Their Royal Highnesses, the opening was attended by the Mayor of Ruma, Mr. Dusan Stojkovic, representatives of local authorities, Executive Council of Vojvodina and Srem region, clergy of Ruma churches and Monasteries from Fruska Gora and many public figures from this town.