Bulgarians in Boston break ground for Orthodox Church

On June 13, 2026, the Bulgarian community in the region of Boston experienced a long-awaited and historic moment. The breaking ground ceremony for expanding the facilities of the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church "St. Petka" took place in the yard of the building in the town of Billerica near Boston. The celebrations continued on June 14 with a liturgy dedicated to All Bulgarian Saints.

Dozens of compatriots, families and friends of the Bulgarian community gathered to witness the beginning of a project that will leave a lasting spiritual mark on future generations of Bulgarians in New England, Nadia Ullman from the Bulgarian Center of New England told Radio Bulgaria.

The ceremony began with a solemn service of the blessing of waters, performed by priest Rumen, who prayed for God's blessing upon the temple, its donors, builders, and all who support this work with faith and dedication. After the prayer, the ground breaking ceremony marked the beginning of the construction of the future spiritual home of the Bulgarians in the area of Boston.

The ceremony was attended by members of three organizations: the Bulgarian Church "St. Petka", the Bulgarian Center of New England, and the Bulgarian School in Boston and Cape Cod.

Those present had the opportunity to learn about the progress of the project and share the joy of realizing a dream that has united the efforts of the entire community for years.

"This project means a lot to the Bulgarian community in New England. For years we have been dreaming of having our own temple - a place where we can gather, pray, celebrate our faith and feel the connection with the traditions and memories of the churches we have visited in Bulgaria. It is an honour to be part of this project!", said project manager Victoria Anastasia, wishing success to the Bulgarian Center, the church and the school.

"For ten years now, three organizations of Bulgarians have been working side by side and moving forward. Peace and understanding reign in our community, and together, entirely through voluntary work, we are moving forward" volunteers in the project say.

The construction of the Orthodox Church "St. Petka" is much more than a construction project. It is a symbol of the preserved faith, of the Bulgarian spirit and of our aspiration to pass on the spiritual and cultural values ​​that connect us to the Motherland to our children, Nadia Ulman says and on behalf of the community expressed gratitude to all donors, volunteers and friends who, with their work, time and support, make this dream possible.

Editor: Elena Karkalanova