A narrative of Orthodox faith, spiritual roots, fraternal love, and priestly ministry beyond the borders of the Homeland
There are places that are not merely dots on a geographical map, but living testimonies to the history, faith, and spiritual memory of a nation. Such a place is the ancient city of Adrianople – a city where the Bulgarian heart still beats to this day, and the tolling of the bells of the Bulgarian Orthodox churches reminds us of the generations of our ancestors who preserved their faith, language, and national dignity.
For me, Priest Angel Georgiev of the Holy Metropolis of Stara Zagora, the opportunity to celebrate the divine services in the Bulgarian Orthodox churches in the city of Adrianople is not simply a priestly duty, but a supreme spiritual honor, a blessing, and a profound personal emotion.
This grace-filled ministry is carried out with the archpastoral blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Dr. Cyprian of Stara Zagora and His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilochios of Adrianople – two worthy archpastors whose blessing stands as a testament to the fraternal love, spiritual unity, and centuries-old bond between the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of Constantinople.
Every time I cross the threshold of the Bulgarian Holy Church of Saints Constantine and Helen in Adrianople, my heart is filled with a special reverence. Here, one senses not only the silence of the house of God, but also the prayers of generations of Bulgarians who knelt before the Holy Altar, seeking God’s mercy, protection, and consolation.
When I stand before the Holy Altar and intone the words of the Divine Liturgy in our native Bulgarian language, I experience a feeling that can hardly be described in words.
For in those moments, I do not serve only for those present in the church. In prayer, I touch the memory of our ancestors, their unwavering faith, and that Bulgarian spirit which time and historical vicissitudes have failed to erase.
Particular joy and spiritual support in this ministry are provided to me by two young and devoted helpers – Subdeacon Borislav Petkov from the city of Stara Zagora and Subdeacon Kaloyan from the city of Harmanli.
With their diligence, piety, and sincere love for the Holy Orthodox Church, they assist in the divine services and contribute to their splendor and solemnity.
For me, their presence carries a special significance. It is a testimony that young people can be worthy continuers of the Orthodox tradition, carrying the faith of Christ in their hearts and joyfully dedicating their time and strength to the service of God.
I also express my heartfelt gratitude to the General Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria in the city of Adrianople, in the person of the General Consul, Mrs. Radoslava Kafedzhiyska, for the kind cooperation, attention, and support rendered in the realization of this spiritual endeavor.
This attitude is an expression not only of institutional commitment, but also of respect for the Bulgarian spiritual and historical heritage, which continues to live beyond the borders of our Homeland.
For the Bulgarian Orthodox churches in Adrianople are not merely architectural monuments. They are living spiritual hearths in which the flame of the Bulgarian Orthodox faith continues to burn.
And when the prayer in the Bulgarian language resounds in them once more, when the fragrant incense ascends and the priestly blessing „Peace be unto all!“ is heard, one understands that the spiritual borders of a nation are not measured in kilometers.
They are measured by faith, by memory, and by love.
The most moving moments for me remain those when, after the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, I see in the eyes of the congregation the joy of common prayer. Then I realize even more strongly how important it is to preserve the spiritual bond between the past and the present, between Bulgaria and her historical sanctuaries.
I believe that every Divine Liturgy celebrated in Adrianople is a small but significant fraction of a great spiritual work – the work of preserving the Orthodox faith, Bulgarian memory, and Christian love.
As a priest, I seek no personal merit or recognition. For me, the greatest reward is the opportunity to serve God, to offer prayers for the health and salvation of the people, and to be, however humble, a continuer of the work of those worthy clergymen who before us guarded the Orthodox faith in these lands.
I thank the All-Merciful God, Who deems me worthy of this blessed opportunity.
I thank the two Most Reverend Metropolitans – Cyprian and Amfilochios – for their archpastoral blessing and spiritual trust.
I thank the General Consul, Mrs. Radoslava Kafedzhiyska, for her goodwill and cooperation.
I thank Subdeacons Borislav Petkov and Kaloyan for their devotion, diligence, and fraternal support.
And above all, I thank all the pious Christians who, through prayer and love, become partakers in this holy work.
For a church is alive only when prayer is offered within it. A nation is spiritually strong when it remembers its roots. And faith is alive when it is passed down with love from generation to generation.
May the All-Merciful Lord bless this humble ministry of ours, strengthen the spiritual bonds among Orthodox Christians, and grant peace, health, and prosperity to our two neighboring nations.
May the unceasing lamp of the Orthodox faith never extinguish in the Bulgarian churches of Adrianople!
And may the angelic hymn resound under their sacred vaults in our native tongue for many years to come:
„Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Your glory!“
For where there is faith, there is hope. Where there is prayer, there is love. And where Christ is, there is no foreign land for the human heart.
With prayers, gratitude, and pastoral love,
Priest Angel Georgiev
Metropolis of Stara Zagora
City of Adrianople, Republic of Turkey
