Foreign minister, minister of culture attend the celebrations of 125th anniversary of Bulgarian St Stephen Church in Istanbul

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel visited the Bulgarian Iron Church "St. Stephen" in Istanbul, together with the Minister of Culture Krustyu Krastev, on November 8.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the consecration of the church. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the holy shrine is a symbol of Bulgarian national unity, unification, light and future. Gabriel paid deep tribute to the patriotic Bulgarians who preserved the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage and expressed hope that it will be preserved for future generations. The liturgy, which opened the anniversary celebrations, was led by the Metropolitan of Silivri, Maxim and Archimandrite, Haralampiy Nichev.

The highlight of the event was the opening ceremony of the exhibition "Iron Church ‘St. Stephen’ and the Bulgarian Memory of the Bulgarians of Constantinople".

"The exhibition brings together pieces of history," Mariya Gabriel stressed.

The exhibition also presents the role of the spiritual leaders of the Bulgarian people, Ilarion Makaryopolski, Exarch Antim I, Exarch Joseph I - the proponents of an independent Bulgarian Church.

The temple preserves parts of the iconostasis and the chancel stone of the Wooden Church, as well as elements of the Iron Church from before its last restoration.

The Deputy Prime Minister also met with the Board of Trustees of the Foundation of the Orthodox Churches of the Bulgarian Exarchate in Istanbul and the Foundation of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church "St. George" in Edirne.

Mariya Gabriel welcomed the efforts of the Board of Trustees to preserve the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage in Turkey.

"You can count on the support of the Bulgarian state. By preserving the shrines of our history, protecting our cultural and spiritual heritage, we can build a future for the next generations," Mariya Gabriel said.