“FAITH AND POWER” EXHIBITION AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM IN NEW YORK OPENS

Belgrade, 17 March 2004 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine attended the opening of the third exhibition in a chronological series devoted to the art and influence of Byzantine civilization - Byzantium: Faith and Power (1261–1557), at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, organized in cooperation with the Museum of Serbian Orthodox Church and the National Museum of Serbia.

This major international loan exhibition is featuring 350 masterpieces coming from 30 countries. Many extraordinary exhibits, among which the sarcophagus of Saint King Stephen of Decani from the 14th century, the icon of the Holy Mother of God Odigitria with a silver frame and an illustration of the Annunciation, the ring of Queen Theodora and many more, will present the visitors our roots and our rich history, spiritual heritage and cultural tradition. The selection of the exhibits was done by Prof. Gojko Subotic of Belgrade and Prof. Slobodan Curcic of Princeton, well known international experts in this area.

The exhibition was opened by His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Beside Their Royal Highnesses the opening was attended by many public figures, our compatriots and Byzantine art lovers.