On the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil officiated a memorial service honoring the priests and laypeople who perished during the historical event at Sofia’s St Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral. Speaking to journalists, Patriarch Daniil stated that the April Uprising resulted not only in significant acts of heroism but also in instances of martyrdom for the Orthodox faith. He noted that during the difficult period of the uprising, many ancestors faced a choice between worldly life and their faith, ultimately choosing adherence to their Orthodox beliefs.
The Patriarch stated that on this day, the Church pays tribute to the heroes of the April Uprising, offering prayers for all who died for their faith and for the nation’s freedom. He emphasized that the self-sacrifice of these individuals drew international attention and appealed for divine mercy. In his blessing, the Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil invoked prayers to help uphold the Orthodox faith, describing it as a foundation for Bulgaria’s continued existence.
The memorial service was attended by prominent figures, including President Iliana Iotova, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and representatives from 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, an event held under the President’s patronage.
Topics: #uprising #april #daniil
