Unification of Bulgaria: Celebrations were held in Plovdiv and Sofia

On this day in Plovdiv, the Unification of Bulgaria was announced, the dedication of Zahari Stoyanov was read, the flag of Eastern Rumelia was taken down and the Bulgarian flag was raised. The bells at the foot of the Old Town ceremoniously rang to mark the beginning of the celebration, and dozens of Plovdiv residents came to attend the prayer service honoring the heroes and events of 137 years ago:

- "This is a holiday of pride for Bulgaria. Whoever feels Bulgarian should mark it in some way and this is the best place.

- To unite the nation not only in difficult times, but also in peacetime. This is much more important and more difficult because we have many bright examples before us and it is right to imitate them or contribute something. It is a sacred duty even".

In his traditional speech, Metropolitan Nikolay urged that confrontation and selfishness, which have been dividing our society for years, be left behind. He also turned to politicians, emphasizing that hatred on a political basis is already bordering on hysteria. He quotes in this connection the words of John the Theologian that "he who hates his brother is in darkness and does not know where he is going, because it has blinded his eyes", and his other call was for unity.

A celebratory ceremony was also held in the courtyard of the church in front of the monument of the revivalist Gavriil Krastevich - a defender of the cultural separation of Bulgarians in the Ottoman Empire and the independence of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. After that, wreaths and flowers were placed in front of the monument of Zahari Stoyanov and in front of the memorial plaque of Major Raycho Nikolov.

The festive program in Plovdiv continues. In the...