Serbs have been living in the region of Bela Krajina (SE) for over 400 years. Their numbers have declined over the years largely due to assimilation, but 400 ethnic Serbs still live there. “Our language is dying out, our culture is dying out, all of this is dying out, but some remnants still remain, and I think that’s important because this is what keeps multiculturalism alive in Slovenia,” said Dušan Jovanović, a drama director.

This is just one reason why it is important to preserve cultural monuments. One such monument is the recently renovated 160-year-old Orthodox church in the village of Miliči. It is one of only two Orthodox churches in the region. According to Nikola Damjanić, a member of the church renovation committee, the church also helps the Serbian community keep their native culture and language alive.

The renovation of the roof and the façade cost north of 60 thousand euros. Some of the money came from the Municipality of Črnomelj. However, the lion’s share of the funds was raised at a dinner party held at a Ljubljana restaurant, where a number of high-profile artists, businessmen and athletes, among them Goran Dragić and Rašo Nesterović, bought paintings to help raise money for the renovation of the church.

Saša Kisovec, TV Slovenija; translated by D.V.