Vucic receives author of mosaics in Belgrade Church of St Sava

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Tuesday received Russian Academy of Arts member Nikolay Mukhin, a People's Artist of the Russian Federation who leads an artistic team tasked with decoration works in the dome of the Church of St Sava in Belgrade.

"I am honoured to have met in the Church of St Sava, together with His Holiness (Serbian) Patriarch Porfirije, with prominent Russian artist Nikolay Mukhin, the author of imposing mosaics that grace the interior of this Serbian holy site. We discussed the complex and dedicated work he has invested in creating the monumental frescoes and mosaics, as well as the deep symbolism and spiritual power his works are passing on to future generations," Vucic wrote in an Instagram post.

Mukhin's works are not only an artistic feat, but a bridge connecting the two peoples "through a joint Orthodox tradition and sincere friendship," Vucic noted.

"This was an opportunity for me to express gratitude for everything he has done for the Church of St Sava to become one of the most beautiful and most authentic Orthodox churches in the world. His vision and creative dedication have left an indelible mark on Serbia's cultural heritage," he wrote in the post.

He added that an agreement had been reached for Mukhin to also work on mosaics in the church corridors.

"I am confident that we will continue to cherish the shared values and contribute to the richness of the spiritual and artistic identity of our country," Vucic concluded.