Today, November 14, in the multimedia hall of the Municipality of Tivat, organized by the Montenegrin Littoral Metropolitanate and the Institute of Art History of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Belgrade, the scientific meeting "The Monastery of Saint Michael the Archangel on Prevlaca and the Metropolitanate of Zeta" began, which will last until the 16th. November.
The scientific meeting was opened by His Eminence the Archbishop of Cetinje, the Metropolitan of Montenegro and the Littoral, Mr. Joanikije, who pointed out that the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral, during the time of the blessed Metropolitan Amfilohije, was the initiator of the archaeological excavations that lasted from 1997 to 2011 at the Prevlač sanctuary, where Saint Sava established the Bishopric of Zeta in 1220, and which in during the reign of Emperor Dušan in 1346, it was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan. The excavations were carried out in parallel with the renewal of spiritual life in the Monastery of Saint Michael the Archangel, which was without monks for more than 550 years after its desolation.
"It is natural that the renewal of spiritual life is followed by thorough scientific research, especially when it comes to such an important holy family as Prevlačka, which in its centuries of rich history united eras and civilizations, East and West, peoples and cultures." By renewing the monastic, liturgical life in that holy place, we were also renewing the awareness of its historical significance, but also of our responsibility towards its sanctity and its rich spiritual and cultural heritage, which should be preserved and included in the present and future life of the Church and the people," he said. is Bishop Joanikije.
In the continuation of his address, the Metropolitan pointed out that the obligation towards this monastery and its holy remains, the shrine from which the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral grew with the blessing of Saint Sava, belongs not only to the Church, but also to the state:
"Especially to its cultural institutions, as well as to all people of pen and knowledge, without any fences and limitations, who can contribute to the preservation of its sacred cultural wealth and the improvement of its life in accordance with the intention set for it by its holy founders - to serve God and salvation human souls until the end of the world and century."
He also reminded that at the very beginning of dealing with Prevlaka, God's mercy visited this holy place and made the relics of the Prevlaka monks, which were discovered behind the altar of the Cathedral Church of the Holy Archangel Michael in Prevlaka, to flow in peace.
"For us, this holy place is alive even though it has been destroyed and unraveled, even though it has been crucified, it has not lost its sanctity and its beneficial effect, which was witnessed by the holy relics of the Prevlač monks when, after their discovery in 1996, they began to pour out holy myrrh the grace of the Holy Spirit. Through her suffering, Christ's crucifixion, which has the power of resurrection, was imprinted in this shrine. We are reading what we are saying from the centuries-old life of the destroyed Church of St. Michael the Archangel on Prevlaka. Our archaeologists have unequivocally shown that after its creation, from the 6th to the 13th century, it suffered on two occasions and was rebuilt from the ground up twice. With the fact that its second restoration was during the time of Saint Sava, when he established the Eparchy of Zeta in it."
In the continuation of his address, the Metropolitan pointed out that our approach to the restoration of the Monastery of the Holy Archangel Michael does not differ in any way, essentially, from the approach taken by its first restorers, it stems from our holy faith, from the crucifixion history of this sanctuary.
"If someone in the competent state institutions implements our point of view, I do not resent it, but I expect him to respect a different opinion and the centuries-old practice of the Church, which has always, in accordance with its faith and centuries-old experience, renewed its sanctuaries, and thus its memory and his being. It goes without saying that the restoration of any cultural asset, especially a sacred place of such importance as the Isthmus, must be carried out with the application of the highest professional and scientific standards and with respect for the applicable laws that enable it. We are convinced that a better time has come for an all-round dialogue and for an even better mutual understanding between all parties who are responsible for the preservation of the diverse, layered and priceless spiritual wealth of Prevlaka and for the restoration and new life of the Monastery of the Holy Archangel Michael", said the Archbishop of Cetinje Mr. Joannikius.

https://mitropolija.com/2024/11/14/mitropolit-joanikije-obaveza-prema-manastiru-na-prevlaci-ne-pripada-samo-crkvi-nego-i-drzavi/

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