In Milan, Teodora Ivanova learns a lesson in gratitude

We met Teodora Ivanova, a Bulgarian student, at the Church of St Ambrose in Milan, where the Bridge of Faith podcast team from Radio Bulgaria was conducting interviews.

She moved to Italy two years ago to continue her studies. “I was pursuing a Master’s degree in Law and Sustainable Development. Since the University of Milan offered the programme in English, I chose to come here,” she said, recalling how she discovered the Bulgarian church on Sant’Antonio Street in the city centre and what her faith and the Orthodox community mean to her far from home.

Like many Bulgarians, Teodora was baptised but did not actively practise her faith while living in Bulgaria. It was only after moving abroad that she rediscovered her Orthodox identity, finding a sense of belonging in the church community.

'About two years ago, I started taking a deeper interest in religion and faith, and building my own personal relationship with God. I also wanted this relationship to be supported by a church community, so I started attending church. Fortunately, when I searched online, I found that there is a Bulgarian Orthodox church in Milan, Italy, which is my city. I immediately attended the Divine Liturgy. I was surprised and impressed to see that it was open on Sundays, and by how kind and warm the people here are,” she told us.

She admits that she did not attend the Divine Liturgy back in Bulgaria, but now it brings her a deep sense of peace and happiness.

What lesson has Teodora learned from worship and coming to know the Orthodox faith, which transforms the rush and vanity of everyday life?

'What I carry into my daily life is gratitude. After every service, we read Christian literature, and through it, I have come to understand that a person should be grateful for everything, even the smallest things, such as having a roof over their head, food on the table and water. This gratitude makes you a much calmer and happier person. I believe that gratitude to God, as well as praying for peace in the world and for health for myself and my family, are things I take home with me from my experiences here,” she says.

For the young woman, Christianity does not end with the word 'Amen' at the end of the service. The true living of faith begins afterwards, when one must maintain a spirit of gratitude, peace and love while driving, standing in a queue or during life's more challenging moments.

When it comes to praying for her loved ones, we asked Teodora whether it helps her feel closer to them.

'When you come to a church like this, you never feel alone because you form connections with the people here, with God, with the priest, with the whole congregation, and of course with the saints.' When you pray for your loved ones, even if you are far away, you feel that you are doing something good for them. When they are in your prayers, you are helping them. As someone living abroad, having a church community like this is so important, where at the very least you can speak your own language — something that is not guaranteed when you live outside your country. It makes you feel very good; it makes you feel at home.”

In the Bulgarian church in the heart of Lombardy, Teodora has discovered that prayer is the most direct path home, connecting us with God. There, she has come to understand that everything in life is a gift from God and that being grateful for all that we have and all that we are is the most valuable treasure she will carry with her wherever life may lead her.

Editor: Elena Karkalanova