Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski is a centre of academic and educational activity, progressive ideas, free thinking and dignity, said Speaker of Parliament Tsveta Karayancheva in her address to lecturers and students at the academic celebration of the Patron Saint’s Day of the first Bulgarian university.

Distinguished scientists, public figures, intellectuals, writers, and politicians have sat on these seats and taught from the desk, said the Speaker of Parliament. There are many eminent university alumni who have left their mark not only on the Bulgarian but also the European public and political life, added Tsveta Karayancheva.

Today too, Sofia University students are its most valuable capital and a proof of its ability to develop personalities who take a respectable place in our cultural, governing and economic elite, said the Speaker of Parliament.

Tsveta Karayancheva expressed her confidence that the university would continue to pursue its mission: to make science and provide top-level education.

Before that the Speaker of Parliament and MPs laid flowers at the monument of St Kliment Ohridski.

Two processions met at the monument of the saint and enlightener: that of the Holy Synod and the academic management of the university. Many citizens, students and alumni of the university came to pay tribute to him.