Podcast in English
Audio Player
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Remembering Father Alexander: Guardian of the Bulgarian Temples and the Spirit in Edirne

Vice-President inaugurates bas-relief of the priest one year after his death

Edirne, visiting Father Alexander's tomb in St George's churchyard.
Photo: Darina Grigorova

17 March marks the first anniversary of the passing of Father Alexander Cikirik. For many years, he worked selflessly to restore and preserve the two Bulgarian temples in Edirne and Bulgarian traditions in the city.


On this occasion, Vice-President Iliana Iotova inaugurated a bas-relief of Father Alexander in the Bulgarian Church of St George in Edirne. She was also present at the opening ceremony of St George's Church, Radio Bulgaria's Darina Grigorova reported. 

"Every minute of his life was dedicated to the preservation of the Orthodox faith, the Bulgarian language and the strengthening of the Bulgarian community. Father Cikirik was one of the best ambassadors between Bulgaria and Turkey," the vice-president said at the ceremony. 


She thanked the priest's wife, Maria Cikirik, for continuing to run the Ivan Vazov Bulgarian Sunday School and the Prosveta National Community Centre. It is the only Bulgarian community centre abroad. Yotova assured Maria Cikirik of the presidential institution's support for her activities.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Pope Francis appeared yesterday wearing an omophorion from Bulgaria

On his last Easter, Pope Francis appeared before the faithful wearing an omophorion that he received as a gift during his visit to Bulgaria in 2019. Pope Francis remembered: Reactions from Bulgaria The word omophorion comes from the Greek word..

published on 4/21/25 4:19 PM

Pope Francis remembered: Reactions from Bulgaria

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness - a true friend of Bulgaria and a global symbol of peace, compassion and unity," Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov wrote on social media platform X in response to the news of the death of Pope Francis...

published on 4/21/25 1:53 PM
Премахване на незаконните постройки в столичния квартал

Citizens will show their support for Roma families from "Zaharna Fabrika" tonight

Citizens will tonight show their solidarity with the Roma families from the Zaharna Fabrika neighbourhood in Sofia who were left homeless after their homes were demolished on April 15.   At 19:00, they will gather at the site of the demolished houses and..

published on 4/21/25 11:57 AM