The Bulgarian southern Black Sea coast now features an underwater chapel named after the patron of fishermen and seafarers, St. Nicholas the Wonder Worker. The unique site is situated in Primorsko, some 7 m under water, and complies fully with the canon of Orthodox Christianity. The image of the saint has been made of brass, and the altar is an ancient stone with a cross and a candlestick placed on it. There is also a plate glorifying the Saint Trinity and a concrete cast with the name of the donor. Designs have been made by sculptor Nikola Dikov. 

 “The idea came from Todor Popov, an instructor in underwater diving”, explains Irena Badalova, Chairperson of the newly founded Primorsko Underwater Diving Club. “The idea became reality thanks to the efforts of many people including one Muslim. The chapel was consecrated by Father Gavrail. On 1 June we installed it under water to the south of Cape Maslen. Shortly after we started underwater works, a herd of dolphins appeared. We had some trouble with the unstable weather, however it did calm down on the most important day. I am not aware of such an underwater site of Orthodox Christianity anywhere else in the world. With it we hope to make underwater dicing more popular.” 

The underwater diving club in Primorsko hopes that interest in its activities will increase. The chapel has also begun to emerge as an attraction for romantic couples wishing to get wed under water. 

“There is keen interest in the site. An artist has contacted me. He makes ceramic icons and is ready to donate some of his works to St. Nicholas chapel. The locals in Primorsko are also very excited about the site and have been asking for details though they have always been rather skeptic about underwater diving. With this in mind we are going to work to make this amusing sport more popular among young people”, concludes Irena Badalova, Chairperson of the newly founded Primorsko Underwater Diving Club. 

Translated by Daniela Konstantinova