Daniil: April Uprising Birthed Not Only Unparalleled Heroism but Also Martyrdom for Faith

On the occasion marking 150 years since the April Uprising, Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil officiated a memorial service for the victims—including priests and laypeople—at Sofia’s St Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral on Monday. Addressing journalists, Patriarch Daniil noted that the April Uprising represented not only unparalleled heroism but also significant martyrdom for the Christian faith. He stated that during the difficult period of the uprising, many ancestors faced a choice between secular life and religious conviction, ultimately choosing their Orthodox faith and “immortal souls.” The Patriarch emphasized that the Church continues to honor these heroes, offering prayers at every service for those who perished for their faith and for the nation’s freedom.

Daniil further observed that the self-sacrifice of these individuals successfully drew attention not only from European and global public opinion and the governments of major powers but also toward divine mercy. In his blessing, the Bulgarian Patriarch invoked the prayers of the martyrs of the April Uprising, requesting that they help sustain the Orthodox faith, which he described as teaching valor, honesty, courage, and sacrificial love for neighbors—elements he deemed vital for Bulgaria’s survival. The memorial service was attended by President Iliana Iotova, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, the President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), and various 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 auspices.

Topics: #uprising #april #daniil