Sofia Mayor Terziev: Honouring Levski Is Not Merely Act of Historical Remembrance, It Is Moral Compass

Risida Dimitrova, Petra Kurteva

Commemorative ceremony marking the 153rd anniversary of the death of the Apostle of Freedom, Sofia, February 19, 2026 (BTA Photo/Vladimir Shokov)

Sofia,

19.02.2026 20:22

(BTA)

In his address at the ceremony marking the 153rd anniversary of the death of the Apostle of Freedom on Thursday, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said that "Today, honouring Levski is not merely an act of historical remembrance, it is a moral compass."

"We commemorate 153 years since the death of Vasil Levski, the Apostle of Freedom, who transformed his personal self-sacrifice into a national ideal. There are individuals who are born in times of fear, pressure, and resignation. They refuse to accept such times as the norm. Levski was such a person," Terziev added.

He noted that in a historical period marked by uncertainty and restrictions, Levski did not choose the comfort of silence, did not wait for a more convenient moment, and did not seek excuses. "He stood against the belief that nothing depends on us and proved that change begins with personal choice. He took the most difficult path, the path of responsibility and action. He had a backbone when so many around him were crushed."

An idea, supported by a clear vision and selfless dedication, thus became a struggle for independence, Terziev said, adding that freedom is born not of compromise, but of character.

According to the mayor, honouring Levski means defending the rule of law, justice, and the public interest. It means finding the strength to make difficult but right decisions, and not yielding to fear or petty power struggles that distance us from what is just.

In his words, Levski remains the most beloved Bulgarian hero because he stayed true to his ideals until the very end, without personal gain and without fear of the price he would pay. His example reminds us that freedom is neither given nor guaranteed from the outside. It begins within, with the refusal to give in.

"No matter how many words we speak today, the most important question remains: how high a price are we willing to pay to follow his legacy," Terziev said.

"Freedom is not a given. It must be upheld every day through personal responsibility. And if we are not prepared to bear the weight of freedom, we have no right to speak the name of the Apostle," he added.

/TM/