Grgur Ninski

Grgur Ninski was famous Croatian bishop and head of church at beginning of 10th century. Grgur Ninski was preaching in old slavic language and he was pleading for glagolitic as Croatian people alphabet. Bishop Grgur Ninski was serving in town Nin near town Zadar in period of year 900 – 929. When in year 925. Tomislav has become Croatian king, for his support, he proclaimed him as supreme head of church in Kingdom of Croatia. Unfortunaly, Pope John X did not approve serving masses in churches in old slavic language, so he gave order to use exclusively latin language. Bishop Grgur Ninski has experienced one defeat more when Nin Diocese has been abolished on second church synod in year 928. and removed to Skradin Diocese near town Sibenik. In that way he lost his position and all church authority in Dalmatia has been transmitted to Split archbishop who gave order that latin be official language of church and all its rites. So, bishop Grgur Ninski struggle has been ended for national rights to listen church rites on their language.

Today, in Republic of Croatia there are 3 bronze statues of bishop Grgur Ninski, which famous world and Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic has made in: His town Nin near church of Saint Anselm in year 1969, town Varazdin in year 1931. and town Split in year 1929. in front of blessed virgin Mary cathedral, famous as Saint Dujam cathedral. During world war the second, statue has been removed and stored to safe spot. After war, it has been set in front of Northern Gate of palace. Statue was intentionally set at top of stairs, in front of Diocletian palace Golden Gate and in vicinity of park because large number of citizens and tourists are passing by and who want to see that famous 7 meters high statue. Everyone knows legend and story about completion of wishes, experience of Happiness and Joy if you touch his big toe. For this curiosity, all tourist guides bring guests and tourists here to see and touch Grgur Ninski statue and his big toe, hoping of complition of their wishes.