155 years ago, the Bulgarian Exarchate marked the beginning of Bulgarian statehood, said Iliana Iotova, who was a guest at the temple celebration of the Iron Church

Every visit to St. Stephen Church brings light and a special energy of national self-confidence. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church reflects the Bulgarian national idea and is a symbol of Bulgarian national unity. The memory of those who built this magnificent church still illuminates today with the power of faith, with the will for freedom and independence, with boundless love for Bulgarianness. This was stated by Vice President Iliana Iotova at the celebration of the church holiday of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St Stephen in Istanbul. The festive liturgy was led by His Holiness the Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil, who is on a peaceful visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The message of our ancestors, "We are here!" with our language, writing, faith and culture, is embedded in the walls of this temple. A message to the Bulgarian people, who seek their resurrection and self-government, a message to the Bulgarian intelligentsia, who want their spiritual freedom, faith, education and literature, the Vice President emphasised in his greeting.

Iotova recalled the bequest of the donor of the temple, Stefan Bogoridi, whose name the church bears - Bulgarians to take care of the Bulgarian church, the Bulgarians who are in Istanbul, their sons. The Vice President thanked the Foundations of the Bulgarian Orthodox Churches in Istanbul and Edirne and their chair Dimitri Yotef, to all the heirs of the 19th century Bulgarians who dedicated themselves to the national cause. Iliana Iotova emphasised the importance of preserving the Bulgarian churches in Istanbul and Edirne as a place of memory and a guardian of faith and identity, as well as for the future as a centre of Bulgarians.

The Vice President assured that the Bulgarian state will continue to support with all efforts the preservation and development of these Bulgarian holy sites and will always be by the Bulgarian community's side to preserve this integral part of the Bulgarian cultural heritage. Iotova especially emphasized the contribution of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church to defending the interests of the Bulgarian Orthodox community.

In her greeting, the Vice President noted the 155th anniversary of the establishment of the Bulgarian Exarchate, which is celebrated this year. Iotova highlighted its historical role in the building of Bulgarian statehood and expressed regret that the memorable anniversary has not been adequately commemorated in Bulgaria.

The Vice President congratulated those present at the festive liturgy at St. Stephen on the Nativity of Christ. Christmas brings a message of peace, understanding between people, care for one's neighbour. This message and faith in God are even more necessary for us today, when the world is illuminated not by the light of miracles and good deeds, but by the fire of wars, conflicts, hatred and denial, said Iliana Iotova.

The Vice President quoted the last words of St. Stephen, "God, do not hold this sin against them," urging us to reflect more often on the wisdom and love of his testament in times of difficulty. Let us return to the original human values - in them we will always find the security and stability that we so need, Iotova concluded.