The Abbot of Hilandar Monastery, Archimandrite Methodios, and Prof. Aleksandar Ostojić, PhD, Acting Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Development at the University of Banja Luka, signed an Agreement on Business and Technical Cooperation on 9 November 2026, paving the way for the two institutions to bring together their scientific, educational, and cultural potential, with a particular focus on preserving Serbian spiritual, cultural and historical heritage.

The Agreement provides for joint scientific research and cultural activities, the exchange of knowledge and experience, professional development, project implementation, publishing activities, as well as access to library and archival collections.

Archimandrite Methodios pointed out that Hilandar, which has endured uninterruptedly for more than eight centuries, is not only a spiritual center of the Serbian people but also a place with a strong educational and cultural tradition. He recalled that there is a view that this holy site, in a broader sense, represents the first Serbian university, making cooperation with higher education institutions a natural step.

“Today, this cooperation has also taken on an official form, and we hope that the two signatories will support each other in fulfilling their responsibilities and pursuing their endeavors,” Archimandrite Methodios said following the signing of the Agreement at the Rectorate. He stressed that professional support is also essential for preserving and studying Hilandar's heritage, particularly in the fields of architecture, archaeology, history, philology and agriculture.

“Your architects will help us, as will archaeologists, historians, philologists, and even colleagues from the Faculty of Agriculture,” the Abbot of Hilandar noted, recalling that the monastery, as part of the world's cultural heritage, is under UNESCO protection.

Vice-Rector Ostojić said that signing the Agreement was a special honor, but also a responsibility, given Hilandar's significance in the spiritual and cultural history of the Serbian people.

“Hilandar is not just a monastery; it is a center of Serbian spirituality, a holy site that preserves the tradition of education and contributes significantly to the development of the Serbian people's identity,” Ostojić stressed. He said that the University would make its expertise and scientific research capacities available to ensure that the cooperation translates into concrete activities and contributes to preserving and promoting Hilandar's heritage.

“Our goal is to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Hilandar's heritage through this Agreement,” Prof. Ostojić said.

As a symbolic gesture marking the beginning of the cooperation, cypress saplings were planted on the University Campus following the signing of the Agreement. 

Photo: D. Desnica