Academic Forum Marks Key Anniversaries of Bulgarian Statehood and Literacy, VP Attends

A scientific forum marking three key anniversaries in Bulgarian history taking place at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) in Sofia, with the participation of Vice President Iliana Iotova, September 24, 2025 (BTA Photo/Milena Stoykova)

Sofia,

24.09.2025 13:42

(BTA)

A scientific forum marking three key anniversaries in Bulgarian history was officially opened on Wednesday at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) in Sofia. The event commemorates 1160 years since the Christianization of the Bulgarian people, 1170 years since the creation of the Glagolitic alphabet, and 1140 years since the passing of St Methodius. Vice President Iliana Iotova, who serves as patron of the 1170th anniversary of the Glagolitic alphabet, attended the opening and addressed participants. She congratulated the organizers and emphasized the importance of these anniversaries for the formation of Bulgarian statehood and cultural identity.

The forum was organized by the Sts Cyril and Methodius International Foundation, the Bulgarian Patriarchate, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, BAS, and the Council of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions in Bulgaria. It is part of a series of events honoring these major historical milestones.

"The creation of the Bulgarian script and the Christianization formed the foundations of Bulgarian statehood," said Iotova in her address. She emphasized that these events safeguarded national identity, and resisted assimilation. Iotova described the introduction of the Glagolitic letters in 855 as a cultural turning point that reshaped Europe and led to the creation of the Cyrillic script, now the third official alphabet of the European Union. She stressed the importance of preserving and promoting the use of Cyrillic in the digital age.

The forum continues with academic presentations and discussions on the historical and cultural impact of these pivotal events.

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