BICENTENNIAL OF MATICA SRPSKA TO BE CELEBRATED ACROSS SRPSKA AS WELL

BEOGRAD, FEBRUARY 14 /SRNA/ – Matica srpska, foundation of the preservation of the Serbian language, cultural identity and national memory, will mark two centuries of existence this year with a series of ceremonies and programs in Serbia and Republika Srpska, Matica srpska Secretary General Milan Micić has stated in an interview with SRNA.

Micić emphasized that Matica srpska is a source of pride for the Serbian people, through whose work Serbian culture can be seen as at once national, Slavic and European.

"Matica srpska is the home of Serbian culture, an open Serbian house that belongs to the Serbian people," Micić said.

According to him, Matica srpska emerged from two major European ideas of the 18th and 19th centuries - Enlightenment and Romanticism – meaning that knowledge, education, science and enlightenment, combined with dedication to the people, represent progress, which is precisely what Matica srpska has worked toward for a full 200 years.

He stressed that the goals set in 1826, the preservation of Serbian identity and culture, remain relevant today.

Just as in the past, Micić noted, the Serbian people today live in different countries and within different borders across the Balkans and the Danube region, making it Matica srpska’s responsibility to nurture Serbian culture throughout that space.

"Matica srpska does this at around 50 different locations across various geographic areas where Serbs live and cultivate Serbian culture, addressing all issues that have faced the Serbian people throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century," Micić said, adding that answers can be found by examining the institution’s two centuries of existence.

Speaking about cooperation with Republika Srpska, Micić noted that there is an Association of Matica srpska Members in Banja Luka and announced that several events marking the bicentennial will also be organized in Srpska.

He pointed out that Matica srpska has signed cooperation protocols with several municipalities in Republika Srpska, including all six municipalities in Herzegovina, as well as strong cooperation with the town of Teslić and the municipalities of Lopare, Ugljevik and Sokolac.

According to Micić, Matica operates through various programs wherever there is interest in cooperation.

Regarding the 200th anniversary celebrations, he said that intensive activities will take place throughout the year at Matica srpska’s headquarters in Serbia, beginning with a ceremonial session on February 24 and a gathering of all Slavic Matica institutions in May.

In November, a major multidisciplinary scientific conference is planned, with scholars expected from numerous European countries. Matica srpska is also preparing significant publications, including a book on the history of the Karlovci Metropolitanate and a volume by Jelena Veselinov on benefactors and endowments of Matica srpska.