In the newly named Saint Sava Square (former Iločki Square), a new monument to the first Serbian Archbishop, enlightenment and spiritual figure Saint Sava was revealed, and consecrated by the Kruševac clergy members, in the presence of citizens and the public of Kruševac. The monument was donated by “For the Serbian People and State” foundation.
Mayor Ivan Manojlović addressed the present public:
“Saint Sava is the foundation of our spiritual, educational, and state identity. He set the foundations of the Serbian church, school, and state, leaving us the vow to not separate faith and harmony, and use it as tools to a better society, helping our people on the way.
For Kruševac, the proud city of freedom founded by Prince Lazar, Saint Sava has a special meaning. His teachings about unity, justice, and care for fellow man is deeply woven into the history of this area. This monument is not only a symbol of memory but also a signpost. The signpost that tells us to always return to the values that help us walk with pride, in these fast-changing times. Through this reveal, we are renewing the vow and making a promise to safekeep our language, culture, faith, and education, to simultaneously respect the past and build a future to our children, with great responsibility”.
On the behalf of the donor, Foundation Director Ljubica Bertović addressed the present people:
“Saint Sava is not just a historic figure, he is a guideline. A symbol of fellowship, peace, wisdom, and responsibility, the foundation upon which the Serbian spirituality and national identity were built. The Road of Saint Sava is a road towards knowledge, service, and sacrifice for the greater good, the road that tells us to commit and strive towards betterment, unity, and accountabilty to our people and state. Foundation “For the Serbian People and State” is proudly gifting this monument to the City of Kruševac and its citizens, Rasina District, and the whole Serbia, as a token of respect to the values of Saint Sava, and as a place of congregation, memory, and spiritual strength”.
Minister of Defense Bratislav Gašić reminded that Kruševac was a city whose name was an integral part of the foundation of Serbian statehood and spirituality:
“Saint Sava was never and will never be just a historic figure to Serbian people. Saint Sava is the holiest and brightest, a measure of value, the one that holds the foundations of Serbianhood – wisdom, harmony, and patriotism.
Our saint – quiet and steady, dedicated to the great good, is an example to all of us. He is our pride and obligation. The spirit of Saint Sava, which is a part of our personality, must be cultivated and carried over to the next generation. We must teach our children, as we were taught, to remind both themselves and ourselves that the true strength lies in honor, honesty, and readiness to keep the peace, our people, and freedom intact”.
After the formal addresses, Minister Gašić, Director Bertović, and Mayor Manojlović revealed the Monument to Saint Sava, after which the clergy members, led by His Holiness, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Krušveac David, proceeded with the act of consecration.
“All orations about Saint Sava must reach the highest level. Older students know it and learn it very well, the younger ones are slowly following their older peers. It all ends before this saint who leads by example with his humbleness and steadiness. It is very difficult to express his grandness using thoughts, words, stone, plastic, let alone metal or other material… however, taking a look at him, I have to give kudos to the artist. In life, Orthodox Christianity and Saint Sava teachings are well-alligned, making him an integral part of Christianity”, said Archbishop David.
The monument reveal program also consisted of the performances of children choir “Lazarički kolibrići” (“Lazar’s Little Hummingbirds”) and Kruševac Theater actor Steva Zdravić.
