A 6-metre statue of the Virgin with Child was inaugurated in Razlog with a water blessing ceremony performed by Serafim, metropolitan of Nevrokop. The sculpture, erected in the centre of the roundabout in front of the general hospital in the town, can be seen from a distance of more than one kilometer.

The statue is the work of sculptor Assen Botev. “It was an honour and a huge responsibility for me to wake up every morning for five years with the thought - Holy Mother of God, have mercy on us,” he told journalists.

Addressing the attendees, Razlog mayor Krasimir Gerchev said he felt proud and pleased to see the wish of the people from the town – to have a symbol of faith in their lives – come true by joint effort.

At the end of the official ceremony, soloists from the Yanko Mustakov choir from Svishtov performed church chants in front of the statue of the Virgin with Child.