Hear the chiming bells of the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky in the heart of Sofia

published on 4/19/20 8:00 AM

Photo: Ani Petrova

The Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky in Sofia is the fifth largest Christian church in Europe. Its foundations were laid on February 19, 1882. This marked the 4^th anniversary of Bulgaria's liberation from Turkish Rule, which is celebrated on that date according to the old-style calendar. The church is built in a Neo-Byzantine style. More than 30 types of marble were used for its construction, and the entire interior is richly painted with murals.

The belfry with the cross is the highest point of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is reached by a narrow spiral staircase with 220 steps.

The bell tower rises to more than 50 metres in height and is the location of 12 bells. The bells were made in Moscow and donated to Bulgaria in 1911.

All bells are beaten manually. From 1982 until recently, Maria Zabova (in the photo) and her assistants had this responsibility. At least three persons are required to produce a graceful tune.

The largest of all 12 bells weighs 10 tonnes and the smallest weighs only 7 kg. Their total weight is 23 tonnes. When they all ring together, the sound can be heard from afar.

Today, already over 90 years old and after almost 4 decades, Maria Zabova has ceded this sacred obligation to others.

According to church requirements, there are two types of bell ringing – one for festivities and one for mourning. The festive bell chimes announce the start of the liturgy and summon the laymen to the church. The mourning bell ringing is performed on Good Friday and at funeral services. Only the two largest bells are involved, as they beat slowly and at regular intervals. Due to its specificity, the ringing of the bells is very difficult to record and it requires special technical expertise. A sophisticated equipment is also requiredin cases where the bells are positioned in places with difficult access or are suspended in narrow or decayed wooden bell towers. Because of its gilded domes, the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is often dubbed the "golden heart of Sofia".

Hear how the bells of the spiritual emblem of the Bulgarian capital city, Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, sound.