Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

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.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Prime Minister: It is crucial that our delegation in the EP votes unanimously in favour of Bulgaria's accession to the Eurozone

It is of the utmost importance that the Bulgarian delegation in the European Parliament votes unanimously in favour of Bulgaria. The Prime Minister said this to journalists in Razlog ahead of tomorrow's European Parliament decision on the country's..

published on 7/7/25 3:32 PM

Large quantities of fentanyl seized in nationwide operations

A record amount of fentanyl, ready for distribution, was seized in two operations carried out by the Main Directorate for Combatting Organised Crime (GDBOP) in Targovishte and Montana within a week, according to reporter Silvia Velikova...

published on 7/7/25 3:11 PM
Marian Bachev

Bulgaria is chairing the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee

Minister of Culture Marian Bachеv welcomed participants to the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee , which is being held under Bulgaria's chairmanship at the international organisation's headquarters in Paris. The session is being attended..

published on 7/7/25 3:01 PM