Bulgaria's President meets Bulgarian church community in Strasbourg region

Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova visited the church of the Bulgarian Orthodox community “Sts Cyril and Methodius and St Benedict” in Eschau, near Strasbourg. She was welcomed by Metropolitan Antoniy of Western and Central Europe and Father Georgi of the Bulgarian Orthodox church community, as well as by Eschau Mayor Yves Subhlon.

Iliana Iotova paid her respects to the relics of St Sophia, St Faith, St Hope and St Charity, kept in the Roman Catholic church in Eschau. The relics were donated in 777 by the Pope of Rome to the Bishop of Strasbourg.

The President supports an initiative by Metropolitan Antoniy of Western and Central Europe to bring the relics to Sofia for the city’s feast day next year. Metropolitan Antoniy is due to discuss the matter with the Archbishop of Strasbourg. Iliana Iotova noted that the relics of St Sophia hold a special significance for Bulgaria because its capital bears the saint’s name.

Mayor Yves Subhlon said the Bulgarian President’s visit was a symbol of peace, fraternity between the French and Bulgarian peoples, and the unity of the European Union. For her part, Iliana Iotova thanked the hosts for their care of the Bulgarian Orthodox church, which has become a spiritual centre for the Bulgarian community.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov