A citywide commemoration marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising of 1876 took place in the Alley of the Revival in the Sea Garden of Varna. The event, held in front of the monument of Georgi Benkovski, included a military ceremony and the laying of wreaths and flowers in honor of the heroes who gave their lives for Bulgaria’s freedom.
Metropolitan John of Varna and Veliki Preslav attended the commemoration and offered a memorial prayer for the fallen, concelebrated by local clergy. The service was solemnly accompanied by the male choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral “Dormition of the Theotokos.”
Among those present were regional governor Atanas Mihov, Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev, Navy commander Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, Municipal Council chairman Hristo Dimitrov, and other officials, along with citizens and students.
In his address, Metropolitan John described the April Uprising as a defining moment deeply embedded in Bulgaria’s national memory, highlighting its enduring legacy of courage, sacrifice, and love of freedom. He emphasized that freedom is often fully understood only in its absence and reminded attendees that the nation’s independence and identity are not to be taken for granted.
The Metropolitan also recalled the role of the Church in the struggle for liberation, noting that hundreds of clergy participated in or supported the uprising. He concluded by extending Paschal greetings to all present, linking the historical sacrifice of the heroes with the hope and renewal brought by the Resurrection of Christ.
