1788–1867.

Platon Atanacković

Great patron of Serbian education

Bishop, writer and benefactor

Platon Atanacković (born Pavle) was Bishop of Buda and Bačka, a prolific writer, political figure and one of the greatest benefactors of Serbian education. He was born in Sombor into a merchant family. He began his career as a teacher and the first professor at the preparandija in Szentendre.

After being widowed, he took monastic vows at Krušedol Monastery in 1829. His rise in the church hierarchy was rapid – he became hegumen of Šišatovac and Bezdin, and in 1839 he was elected Bishop of Buda. Later, in 1851, he took over the administration of the Bačka eparchy.

“Atanacković’s great patriotism is reflected in his gifts to Serbian educational institutions. He was president of Matica Srpska from its transfer to Novi Sad until his death.”

Ktitor and enlightener

Platon founded the “Platoneum” in Sombor as a boarding school for poor pupils. In Novi Sad he bought a printing press and donated it to the gymnasium. His greatest endowment is the Fund for the Establishment of a Serbian Law Academy, to which he donated the Platoneum Palace in Novi Sad.