site.btaBulgaria Marks 144th Death Annivrersary of National Hero Levski

Bulgaria Marks 144th Death Annivrersary of National Hero Levski

Sofia, February 19 (BTA) - Bulgaria marked Sunday the 144th anniversary of the death of its national hero Vassil Levski. Various events were held and floral tributes paid to Levski monuments across the country in homage to one of the most revered Bulgarian freedom fighters.

A memorial service was officiated at the St. Sofia Church in the capital with the participation of Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte.

Addressing a commemorative ceremony at the Levski Monument in central Sofia in the evening, President Rumen Radev said that neither Bulgaria nor Europe or the world are close to Levski's ideal of fraternity of all people regardless of their faith or nationality. He said that Levski's ideas go far beyond the narrow frames in which various politicians have tried to put him into during the years in pursuit of their own agendas. The President went on to recall Levski's words teaching people that true freedom is one that a man has fought and stands up for.

"During his lifetime, very few followed him but many relied on him and his aides. On his road he was betrayed more than once. Today we all revere him. This is the bitter fate of many righteous in Bulgaria. It is also a lesson for us all: to recognize the righteous while they are still living, to listen to what they have to say, to follow them and work with them," said the President.

The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Ognyan Gerdzhikov, Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova, Patriarch Neophyte, politicians, diplomats and members of the public.

In Levski's hometown of Karlovo, the anniversary was observed with a military ceremony. Attending were Prime Minister Gerdzhikov, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Stefan Yanev, Chief of Defence Emil Evtimov, Karlovo Mayor Emil Kabaivanov and high clergy.

Traditionally, floral tributes were paid to the grave of Levski's mother in Karlovo and a procession was held to the house where the hero was born. A 17-year old student read an essay on Levski.