On Monday, Patriarch Daniil, Metropolitan of Sofia, officiated a memorial service at Sofia’s St Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral commemorating the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising. Addressing journalists, Patriarch Daniil stated that the April Uprising was characterized not only by its heroism but also by instances of martyrdom for the Christian faith. He noted that during the uprising’s tragic conclusion, many ancestors faced a choice between acculturation and death, ultimately choosing their Orthodox faith and souls.
The Patriarch affirmed that the Church honors the heroes of the April Uprising, maintaining a tradition of offering prayers for all who perished for the faith and the nation’s freedom. He added that the self-sacrifice of these individuals generated appeals not only to contemporary European and global public opinion and major world governments, but also to divine mercy. In his blessing, Patriarch Daniil prayed that the martyrs of the April Uprising would assist in preserving the Orthodox faith, which he described as teaching valor, integrity, courage, and sacrificial love for neighbors, viewing it as essential for Bulgaria’s survival.
The service was attended by numerous dignitaries, including President Iliana Iotova, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Evelina Slavcheva, and representatives from political parties and academia. Following the service, Patriarch Daniil and President Iotova led a procession to the BAS building for a national commemorative assembly under the President’s patronage.
Topics: #uprising #april #daniil
