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Remembering Father Alexander: Guardian of the Bulgarian Temples and the Spirit in Edirne

Vice-President inaugurates bas-relief of the priest one year after his death

Edirne, visiting Father Alexander's tomb in St George's churchyard.
Photo: Darina Grigorova

17 March marks the first anniversary of the passing of Father Alexander Cikirik. For many years, he worked selflessly to restore and preserve the two Bulgarian temples in Edirne and Bulgarian traditions in the city.


On this occasion, Vice-President Iliana Iotova inaugurated a bas-relief of Father Alexander in the Bulgarian Church of St George in Edirne. She was also present at the opening ceremony of St George's Church, Radio Bulgaria's Darina Grigorova reported. 

"Every minute of his life was dedicated to the preservation of the Orthodox faith, the Bulgarian language and the strengthening of the Bulgarian community. Father Cikirik was one of the best ambassadors between Bulgaria and Turkey," the vice-president said at the ceremony. 


She thanked the priest's wife, Maria Cikirik, for continuing to run the Ivan Vazov Bulgarian Sunday School and the Prosveta National Community Centre. It is the only Bulgarian community centre abroad. Yotova assured Maria Cikirik of the presidential institution's support for her activities.



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