Vice President Iliana Yotova attended the temple feast of the Bulgarian church “Saint Stephen“ in Istanbul, where a divine service was held at the episcopal throne of His Holiness during the matins of the feast and the holy liturgy, presided over by Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil. The liturgy was celebrated with Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Maxim of Silivria, Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe, and Metropolitan John of Varna and Veliko Preslav, Protodeacon Deyan Korunoski and Deacon Julian Perikliev.
Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil is on an official visit to Istanbul at the invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, which began on December 25 and will end on December 28.
Vice President Iliana Yotova: “It is an exceptional honor for all of us, because in this way His Holiness and the Bulgarian Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church say that they support the old Bulgarian community here in Istanbul. They respect the past, a tribute to all those who built this incredible temple, but they built Bulgarianness, Bulgarian statehood, but also a reference to the future, because this community has its future and will last through generations.“
The Vice President emphasized the importance of peace and tolerance:
Vice President Iliana Yotova: “In my opinion, we should not second-guess this topic in the bright days, but often remember the message and human wisdom and most importantly, that we should pursue peace. We are not embarrassed by this word, because there were years when peace was not the convenient word. Now we are talking more and more, because this is our future. In a world where human reason and human wisdom have given way to conflicts, wars, division and denial, we must not only remember these days that there is another path for the development of humanity through understanding, mutual tolerance and assistance…“
Vice President Yotova also commented on the significance of the anniversary of the Bulgarian Exarchate:
Vice President Iliyana Yotova: “But 155 years of the Bulgarian Exarchate mean 155 years of Bulgarian statehood. Unfortunately, this anniversary was almost not celebrated in Bulgaria, with the exception of a few events. It is as if we are denying our own history. In order for Bulgaria to have a future, we must stop with this nihilism towards our own memory and history. Thank you for the visit of His Holiness, the Bulgarian community in Istanbul, this was a worthy celebration of this great anniversary.“