site.btaPresident Radev Receives Students and Teachers from Sofia Seminary

"For 120 years, the Sofia Theological Seminary has been teaching young Bulgarians spirituality, faith, and fostering strong civic foundations, thus making a significant contribution to the future of Bulgaria and the well-being of its people," said President Rumen Radev at a meeting with students and teachers from the Sofia Theological Seminary of St John of Rila and the rector of the institution, Bishop Meletius of Znepol on Wednesday, the president's press office said.  

In his address, the President underscored that the Sofia Theological Seminary has become a vital educational and cultural institution in Bulgaria, preparing generations of spiritually-minded Bulgarians in service to faith and society. The head of State noted that the record number of students admitted to the seminary this year is a sign of a positive trend, with more young people in the country seeking strength and hope in God.

President Rumen Radev emphasized the important role that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has played in Bulgaria’s history. "As a state and a nation, we owe an immense debt to our Orthodox Church, because during the darkest years of oppression, it was the Church that preserved our language, our faith, history, and culture, and we should never forget this," stated the head of state.  

In his greeting, Bishop Meletius expressed great respect and gratitude for the president’s personal efforts for national unity and the preservation of the dignity of the Bulgarian people. On behalf of the faculty and students of the Sofia Theological Seminary, Bishop Meletius presented the president with an icon of St. John of Rila. During the meeting, a choir from the seminary performed a church hymn dedicated to the Nativity of Christ.