On May 3, the “Bishop Konstantin of Preslav” Shumen University became the center of a plenary academic session marking 1,160 years since the baptism of the Bulgarian people and 1,170 years since the creation of the Bulgarian alphabet.
The event was attended by Vice President of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, the host Metropolitan Ioan of Varna and Veliki Preslav, Metropolitan Joseph of the USA, Canada, and Australia, Metropolitan Seraphim of Nevrokop, Metropolitan Grigorii of Vratsa, and Bishop Isaac of Velbazhd, vicar of the Metropolitan of Sofia. Professors, associate professors, representatives of local and state authorities, and many Orthodox Christians were also present.
Vice President Iotova emphasized that “it was near Shumen – in Pliska and Veliki Preslav – that the foundations of a nation and a state were laid, a nation rightfully called the spiritual empire of Europe.”
In his address, Patriarch Daniel highlighted: “The choice made 1,160 years ago by our equal-to-the-apostles Baptizer was indeed decisive and momentous, and his work – truly monumental. This choice and this tremendous mission remain a constant challenge for us today, a sacred duty to the memory of St. Boris-Michael and all who dedicated their talents, strength, and lives to building and preserving Christian Bulgaria throughout the centuries.”
He called on all present: “Study with diligence the work of St. Boris-Michael, Saints Cyril and Methodius, and all their collaborators and successors. Be worthy imitators and continuers of their mission, because their work is sacred.”
Metropolitan Ioan of Varna and Veliki Preslav also addressed the audience, stating that: “The baptism of the Bulgarian people in 865 and their Christianization through the activity of the Church founded by Prince Boris in 870—which later became the national Orthodox Bulgarian Church—brought about a profound transformation in all aspects of Bulgarian cultural life. It marked a true ontological change in their spiritual being.”
Academic presentations were delivered by Prof. Veselin Panayotov of Shumen University, Prof. Dr. Pavel Pavlov and Assoc. Prof. Ekaterina Damyanova of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” Prof. Dr. Magdalena Legkostup, Dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at the University of Veliko Tarnovo “Sts. Cyril and Methodius,” and Dr. Rosen Rusanov.
This event concluded three festive days dedicated to the two major anniversaries—the baptism of the Bulgarian people and the creation of the Bulgarian alphabet. The full session is available on the Holy Synod’s official YouTube channel.
