site.btaPresident Plevneliev Unveils Bulgarian Christian Art Exhibition in Austrian Monastery

President Plevneliev Unveils Bulgarian Christian Art Exhibition in Austrian Monastery

Vienna, April 28 (BTA exclusive by Tsvetana Delibaltova) - Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev attended the opening of a large exhibition of Bulgarian Christian art, titled "The Glory of the East," in the Klosterneuburg Monastery in the Austrian state of Lower Austria on April 27.

The show features 100 exhibits from the National Museum of Archaeology (NMA) in Sofia, including some very precious icons and church utensils. It highlights the development of Christianity and Christian art in Bulgaria from the 4th until the 17th century.

Plevneliev said in his opening address: "I hope this exhibition will inspire many people to visit Bulgaria and get acquainted with its rich history and traditions."

The ceremony was also attended by Austrian politicians, scientists and cultural figures, Bulgarian Culture Minister Vezhdi Rashidov, NMA Director Lyudmil Vagalinski, church officials and foreign ambassadors. Vagalinski, along with Nicolaus Urs Buhlmann, curator of the museum at the 900-year-old Klosterneuburg Monastery, and Erwin Proll, Governor of Lower Austria, delivered greetings addresses.

President Plevneliev received the Golden Star of the Cross of St Leopold, the patron saint of Lower Austria, from the provost of the monastery, Bernhard Backovsky. Culture Minister Rashidov was awarded the Golden Cross of St Leopold.

The Bulgarian President paid a working visit to Austria between April 26 and 27.