In a spirit of profound beauty and high cultural awareness, last night saw the premiere of the documentary film “1000 Years – A Witness of the Light,” concluding the celebration of the grand jubilee dedicated to the millennium since the foundation of the Bigorski Monastery of St. John the Baptist.
Amidst the grand ambiance of the large hall of the Macedonian National Theater, not only was His Beatitude, the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia and Justiniana Prima, Mr. Stefan, Bishop of Stobi, Mr. Jakov, and our Elder, Bishop of Antania, Mr. Partenij present, but also the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Mr. Stevo Pendarovski and the first lady, Mrs. Elizabeta Gjorgievska, Minister of Interior Mr. Oliver Spasovski, Minister of Finance Mr. Fatmir Besimi, Minister of Defense Mrs. Slavjanka Petrovska, Minister of Justice Mr. Nikola Tupancevski, the Mayor of Skopje Mrs. Danela Arsovska, representatives from the political and social life, academics, professors, actors, musicians, prominent figures from Macedonian society – all lovers of beauty and goodness.
The event was opened by actor Blagoj Veselinov, who, with his touching and sincere address, introduced the audience to the essence of his journey through this film.
Following him, the director of “1000 Years – A Witness of the Light,” Mr. Ilija Iko Karov, added a special warmth to the event, bringing his little son on stage with him.
After the screening, nun Efimija, on behalf of our Elder and Igumen, Bishop Partenij, warmly thanked the entire film crew.
Subsequently, a commendation was awarded to the caring Dr. Zhan Mitrev for his benevolent contribution to the Bigorski Monastery.
The biggest surprise of the event was the awarding of the order to director Ilija Iko Karov, which was met with a strong applause from the entire audience, and the huge bouquet of various flowers prepared by the film’s crew for our and their Elder, Bishop Partenij. Touched by this sincere and loving act, he wished the audience a good start to the Holy Week and a joyful Resurrection.
The Bigorski Monastery extends its heartfelt thanks to the entire crew of the documentary film, invoking God’s blessing for each member for further success in the art of filmmaking and spiritual progress.
