Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria gave a moving and spiritually profound speech in honor of Bulgaria’s Liberation, paying tribute to the heroes who fought for the country’s freedom.
He highlighted the precious gift of freedom from God and stressed the significance of historical memory and spiritual unity for the future of the Bulgarian people.
Patriarch Daniel’s words evoked the struggles of the past while urging everyone to uphold the faith and values that define their national identity.
Read on for Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria’s speech:
Esteemed government officials, religious leaders, clergy, and fellow believers,
Today, as we commemorate Bulgaria’s Liberation, we remember and express gratitude for all those who bravely fought for our freedom. Our Orthodox Church honors and prays for the heroes of Bulgarian independence, whose sacrifices paved the way for our nation’s sovereignty. We owe our gratitude to God for blessing our people and to the fighters of our spiritual and cultural revival, who laid the foundation for our liberation. The Liberation War, led by Tsar Alexander II and supported by the Russian army, stands as a testament to the power of spirit and Christian unity in the pursuit of freedom.
Freedom is a divine gift to humanity, but it must be defended and cherished. True freedom is rooted in the knowledge of truth and the presence of God’s Spirit. We must remain grateful for this gift and strive to live in accordance with the truth. Disregarding historical truth and failing to acknowledge the sacrifices of our ancestors is a sin against the freedom we enjoy today.
Our country now thrives in freedom and autonomy, a dream once cherished by our forefathers. Their unwavering faith and commitment to their heritage allowed them to preserve their identity through centuries of oppression. As we celebrate our freedom, we must honor their legacy and uphold the ideals of a free and independent Bulgaria.
Our strength as a nation lies in our spirituality, culture, and Christian faith. This faith has sustained us through trials and tribulations, guiding us towards a prosperous future. Let us remember the sacrifices of our ancestors and the solidarity of our Orthodox brothers, who stood by us in our quest for liberation.