National Assembly President Tsetska Tsacheva met with Representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Church Patrons and with leaders of Church Delegations visiting Bulgaria on the occasion of the 40^th anniversary since the enthronement of Bulgaria’s Patriarch Maxim.

Mrs. Tsetska Tsacheva welcomed the guests at the plenary hall. She acquainted them with the history of the building and stressed that it was one of the first public buildings erected in the newly proclaimed capital Sofia, symbol of the Bulgarian parliamentarism, site of historic importance and a cultural monument.

Mrs. Tsetska Tsacheva noted that in the foundations of the building a message with historic meaning was buried namely: “This building should serve to perpetuate freedom and equality in Bulgaria and to the glory of the Bulgarian people”. She explained that the solemn inauguration of the parliament’s building took place on 25 November 1884 in the presence of the Bulgarian King, the prime minister, and the members of the parliament, diplomats and many citizens. It was consecrated by the Metropolitan Bishop Kliment who in his speech outlined the importance of this “new and sacred place”, where the destiny of the Bulgarian people will be decided.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has always stayed by the side of the state – not only for prayers bur in order to provide directions full with reason and goodness, something that politicians lack at times. She added that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is an institution working for the unity of the people and that she considers the day to be festive due to the opportunity given to her to host the guests of the beloved Bulgarian Patriarch Maxim.  

In his address towards the Bulgarian church representatives and the president of the National Assembly Tsetska Tsacheva, the Metropolitan of Vidin Dometian said democracy is one that recognizes differences but the latter should lead to unity. We could differ in our thoughts and at the same time be united in our love towards Bulgaria and the world. He said one could compare the temple of the church “St. Alexander Nevsky” which unites the Bulgarian people with the Parliament where the spirit of unity, mutual respect and goodness should prevail.

Unity makes the strength and let all our guests carry this spirit to their homes, let us all be together for good, concluded Dometian. He said that while visiting the National Assembly all clerics pray for fruitfulness in the work of its president and the deputies she leads, regardless of their party affiliations.

Tsetska Tsacheva presented the leaders of foreign orthodox churches with a special plaque. On the one side is engraved the image of the first president of the National Assembly – Exarch Antim I, on the other a picture of the National Assembly is represented.