Speaking at the All-Bulgarian Solemn Assembly marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil addressed the significance of the 1876 revolt. He stated that the uprising represented a profound moment of rebirth for the Orthodox Bulgarian people, who declared their desire for freedom and independence to both the ruling Ottoman authorities and the international community. The Patriarch noted that the struggle for freedom was guided by the memory of a long and distinguished history.
He emphasized that the events of April 1876, which displayed immense heroism and tragedy, were the culmination of a broader national and spiritual revival spearheaded by the Orthodox Church. He highlighted that the clergy played a vital role in preserving the cultural and spiritual memory of the people throughout the difficult period. Daniil asserted that the ideal of freedom is integral to the Christian worldview, a principle that sustained the people.
According to the Patriarch, the actions of the populace proved they were not merely passive observers of history. He pointed to the suffering of martyrs and the efforts of figures like Exarch Antim, who gathered information on atrocities and alerted European governments. These actions, he argued, were instrumental in transforming the initial tragedy into a strategic success leading to Bulgaria’s liberation.
Earlier that day, Patriarch Daniil conducted a memorial service for the victims of the uprising at Sofia’s St Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral. Attendees included President Iliana Iotova and other government and academic leaders. Following the service, the Patriarch and President Iotova led a procession to the national commemorative assembly.
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