site.btaCelebrations of 125th Anniversary of Bulgarian St Stephen Church in Istanbul Start with Liturgy

A liturgy at the Bulgarian St Stephen Church in Istanbul marked the beginning of celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the consecration of this house of worship, also known as the Iron Church, the Bulgarian Consulate General in the Turkish metropolis said on Wednesday.

The liturgy was attended by Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel and Culture Minister Krastyu Krastev. They were welcomed by Dimitri Yotef, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation of the Orthodox Churches of the Bulgarian Exarchate in Istanbul.

Gabriel thanked the heirs to "the Bulgarians of Constantinople" for their role in preserving the Bulgarian spirit. The Foreign Minister said: "If we stand united, if we stand together, we can preserve for the future generations what you and our ancestors gave us."

Culture Minister Krastev said he is filled with hope by what the Foundation of the Orthodox Churches is doing, because he knows it will remain forever. "You are a bright sign for the future of Bulgaria," he added.

The two Bulgarian government ministers met with expatriates in Istanbul. The meeting proceeded in a warm atmosphere.