Iconographer Vladimir Skerlić recently returned from Botswana, where he played a key role in decorating the Church of Saint Sava, the second Orthodox church in Southern Africa. This church, built in a country with fewer than two million inhabitants and a Serbian community of about 140 people, lays the foundation for a stronger presence of Serbian spirituality on the African continent.
Skerlić explains that the invitation to participate in the project came from Father Nenad Veličković, a parish priest of the Serbian Orthodox Church from Karaburma.
“He invited me to participate and decorate the church. At the beginning, I didn’t know much about Botswana, but I was open to it. After I went to see the church, took measurements, and started working, I didn’t regret it. Now, after four trips, I hope the work is finished, although I hope to go once more,” said Skerlić.
When he first arrived in Botswana, Skerlić found a completed building church, but without decorative frescoes. One of the key factors that enabled the realization of this project was the help of the local Serbian community, as well as the initiative of Milivoje Nikolić, the church’s benefactor. Milivoje Nikolić, who provided the land and significant funds, played a crucial role in the realization of this project.
“Milivoje Nikolić gave himself entirely to the construction and decoration of the church. His dedication to this project was crucial,” Skerlić emphasizes.
The last time Skerlić was in Botswana, the work on the church was completed by installing mosaics of Saint George and Saint Nicholas on the church’s bell tower.
“Four years of work, from the altar area, the ceiling, to the completion of the west wall and the installation of mosaics, are now behind us. I think this is just the beginning of our presence in this part of the world,” Skerlić concludes.
Source: Euronews, Photo: Printscreen Instagram @orthodrexler