Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

President Radev: Patriarch Kirill came as spiritual leader, but left as politician

Photo: BGNES

On the occasion of reproaches against Bulgaria and its President that came from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow during his visit to Bulgaria on March 3, President Rumen Radev commented that "Patriarch Kirill came to Bulgaria as a spiritual leader but chose to leave as a politician."

According to the Bulgarian Head of State, however, the important question was who tried to turn the common celebration of the Liberation of Bulgaria into an issue of division and to exploit the crisis in Bulgarian-Russian relations.

Our gratitude to Russia is the gratitude of free people and it does not come at the expense of our dignity, the president said, adding that he would not become a hostage to emotions, but would work for the revival of Bulgarian-Russian relations that others have been trying to ruin for years.

When I think about the visit of the Russian Patriarch I prefer to keep the memory of the thousands of Bulgarians who came on Shipka peak to celebrate the Liberation of Bulgaria and about the joint service he held with Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte, the president added.


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Interior minister proposes revoking drivers’ licence of DUI drivers for life

Raising fines for traffic offences and an enhanced police presence – these are the measures announced by Interior Minister Daniel Mitov after the ultimatum given by PM Rosen Zhelyazkov who set a one-month deadline for efficient action to be taken..

published on 5/30/25 2:38 PM

Communicating with parents a problem for adolescents in Bulgaria: Report

As International Children’s Day, 1 June, approaches, UNICEF and the National Statistical Institute presented “Children in Bulgaria: Key data and tendencies in 2024”, an analysis of the demographic, health, educational, social and economic indicators...

published on 5/30/25 1:46 PM

National sheepbreeders’ festival draws visitors from all over the country near the St. Peter and Paul Monastery

The national sheepbreeders’ festival is bringing together people from the sector, fans of tradition, folklore, and healthy farm food, as well as of old-time culinary tradition, near the St. Peter and Paul Monastery today, BNR’s correspondent in..

published on 5/30/25 12:01 PM