Unification Day is a celebration of national unity and community

published on 9/6/24 7:15 AM

The Monument of Unification in Plovdiv

Photo: BGNES

For Bulgarians, who cherish and honour the memory of their ancestors, 6 September symbolises the unification of their nation, which endured five centuries of Ottoman oppression while preserving its faith and identity. After the liberation of Bulgaria at the end of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 and the restoration of the country to its former borders, the joy of the Bulgarian people did not last long - from 3 March to 13 July 1878, the date of the signing of the Treaty of Berlin. The Great Powers redrew the map of the Balkans and the liberated Bulgarian lands were divided into three parts: the Principality of Bulgaria, the Autonomous Province of Eastern Rumelia, and Macedonia, which was returned to the Ottomans.

Bulgaria’s Unification

As a result, the Principality of Bulgaria and the autonomous Turkish province of Eastern Rumelia were granted relative independence, while the geographical areas of Macedonia and part of Adrianople Thrace again part of the Ottoman Empire. The Kingdom of Serbia received the areas around Pirot, Nis and Vranje, populated by ethnic Bulgarians, and the Kingdom of Romania was given northern Dobrudja. Seven years later, on the 6th of September 1885, Eastern Rumelia joined the Principality of Bulgaria to right the wrongs done to the divided nation south and north of the Balkan Range.

Gavril Krastevich ensured the peaceful Unification of Bulgaria

Today, this memorable date serves as a reminder of the courage and inner strength of the Bulgarian people throughout history, and of the importance of unity. It also invites us to reflect on several questions: Have we upheld the legacy of our ancestors by remaining united and strong in support of unity? Are we truly united in our actions or only in our words? After 139 years, what do we value more - spiritual heritage or material prosperity? What brings us together - shared values or differing views?

In fact, what unites Bulgarians are common virtues, common causes.

Planting trees, volunteering, helping children in need, caring for animals and nature. We have often seen how compassionate hearts come together in an instant to raise money for a sick child or people who are struggling...

And if in the post-unification years the benefactors were the wealthy or the industrialists, today it is the ordinary people who, in accordance with Christian values, are ready to give their last shirt for their neighbour.

On September 6, 1885, Bulgaria became a united state again

These people are among us and what moves them is love. They help without seeking the limelight, without saying too much, without expecting gratitude. They will risk their lives to save others during floods or to put out forest fires.

Their example is inspiring and fosters faith in human kindness and the future of our country, transcending political allegiances and beliefs. It is precisely these trivial and counterproductive passions that undermine our common humanity and fuel division and opposition among us.

As the Gospel of Matthew says (Matt. 12:25), “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”

Such negative behaviours are commonplace, but we must choose whether to follow a path of constructive, love-driven action or succumb to the divisive and destructive forces among us.

Politicians often seem more focused on pointing out minor flaws in others, while ignoring their own significant shortcomings. This discrepancy may explain their declining support and growing scepticism about their promises.

While human error is inevitable, these missteps do not contribute to the betterment of our country or our people.

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