site.btaSofia Flag Raised on City Day

The flag of Sofia city was raised at a ceremony on Wednesday to mark the capital’s holiday, the Day of the Martyrs Sophia, Faith, Hope and Charity. Before the flag-raising, President Rumen Radev received and greeted the guard of honour.

Attending the ceremony were Vice President Iliana Iotova, Patriarch Daniil, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Sofia Region Governor Stefan Arsov, Sofia Municipal Council Chair Tsvetomir Petrov, municipal councillors, representatives of diplomatic missions, and guests. A solemn water blessing was performed by Patriarch Daniil.

Addressig the ceremony, Sofia Mayor Terziev said: “I am glad we are together in front of Saint Sophia Church, which gave its name to our capital and has endured through the centuries. Sofia had borne many names and faces but had always been a city where cultures, religions and destinies meet, leaving traces that form today’s common home. Sofia is a home that unites us and makes us part of its history. Today, above all, we are citizens of Sofia, sharing the same responsibility – to preserve and develop the city. Belonging to Sofia is not measured by titles or positions but by the responsibility to work for its future, which depends on faith that difficulties can be overcome together, hope for a better tomorrow, and love for family, neighbours and friends. Differences do not divide us but make us stronger when met with respect”.

Earlier in the day, the Sofia Municipal Council held a festive session.