Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Honouring the memory of Exarch Joseph – the first exarch in post-liberation Bulgaria

Monument to Exarch Joseph in front of the exarchic house
Photo: Miroslav Vassilev

It is 180 years today since the birth of Exarch Joseph, the first Bulgarian exarch in post-liberation Bulgaria, who ruled the Bulgarian Orthodox church in the course of 38 years.

Exarch Joseph was born on 5 May, 1840 in the town of Kalofer under the secular name of Lazar Yovchev. He studied in Constantinople and later graduated literature and law from the Sorbonne. When he became a monk in 1872 he took the name Joseph. In 1877, when the Russo-Turkish war broke out, he was elected Bulgarian exarch. 

Exarch Joseph I opened a Bulgarian theological seminary in Constantinople, helped build churches, assisted the training of priests, the opening of schools, sending gifted young people to study abroad. In 1902 he was elected honorary member of the Bulgarian Learned Society, later renamed Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. 



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

Andrii Sybiha (L) and Ivan Kondov (R)

Bulgaria will continue its support for Ukraine

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Kondov held a bilateral meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha during the NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Ivan Kondov assured that Bulgaria will continue its unwavering and consistent support..

published on 12/3/24 4:44 PM
Olesya Ilashchuk (L) and Krasimira Stoyanova (R)

Krasimira Stoyanova and Olesya Ilyshchuk discussed the transport links between Ukraine and Bulgaria

Caretaker Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimira Stoyanova met in Sofia with the Ambassador of Ukraine to Bulgaria, Olesya Ilashchuk. The two discussed ensuring the smooth movement of Ukrainian cargo to the EU via the Solidarity..

published on 12/3/24 4:18 PM

Foreign Minister Kondov and NATO Secretary General Rutte discuss the situation in the Black Sea region

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Kondov held a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the official meeting of the foreign ministers of NATO allies. The two discussed priorities in the Alliance's collective..

published on 12/3/24 4:00 PM