On the occasion marking 150 years since the April Uprising, Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil officiated a memorial service for the deceased priests and laypeople at Sofia’s St Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral. Speaking to journalists, Patriarch Daniil stated that the April Uprising was characterized not only by its heroism but also by acts of martyrdom for the faith. He noted that during the uprising’s outcome, many ancestors faced a choice between personal safety and their Orthodox faith, choosing the latter.
During the ceremony, the Church commemorated the heroes of the uprising, offering prayers for those who died defending their faith and the nation’s freedom. Patriarch Daniil added that the self-sacrifice of these individuals drew attention not only to European and global public opinion and the governments of the time but also to a higher appeal for mercy. He concluded his address by invoking blessings for the Orthodox faith, emphasizing its teachings of valor, honesty, and sacrificial love as vital for Bulgaria’s continued existence.
The memorial service was attended by high-ranking officials, including President Iliana Iotova, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, the President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and representatives from various political parties and the academic community. Following the service, Patriarch Daniil and President Iotova led a procession to the BAS building for a national commemorative assembly, which was held under the President’s auspices. The event served to mark the historical significance of the April Uprising.
Topics: #uprising #april #daniil
