The last and most destructive bombing of Sofia during World War II took place on April 17, 80 years ago. In 1944, on April 17 at noon, 350 American bombers, accompanied by Thunderbolt and Mustang fighters, dropped 2,500 bombs on Sofia. 749 buildings were destroyed and many more were damaged. 128 people died and 21 were injured. In Bulgarian history, the date remains known as "Black Easter" and as the darkest day for the Bulgarian aviation, which lost 6 pilots who were protecting the skies over Sofia.
From November 1943 to April 1944, Bulgaria lost 27 aircraft out of 80 of its machines and 22 airmen. More than 2,500 fighters and heavy bombers were sent against Bulgaria. The Bulgarian defense shot down more than 100 planes. Enemy losses included 159 crewmen killed and 329 captured.
On the feast of the Dormition of Saint Ivan Rilski, the Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil led the Divine Liturgy at the Rila Monastery. On the eve of the feast, he bowed before the relics of the patron saint of the Bulgarian people..
Today, August 18, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks the Dormition of St. John of Rila – the heavenly patron of Bulgaria. He is the most beloved saint in Bulgaria and is revered even beyond the borders of this country. We associate..
The history of the largest Bulgarian church in Bulgaria from the National Revival period "The Assumption of the Virgin Mary" in the town of Pazardzhik is long and interesting. It is assumed that the first church there was built in the 17th century. It..
Father Genadiy Martinov is a Bessarabian Bulgarian, born in the village of Devetliy, Odessa province (Ukraine). Two centuries ago, his family lived in..
On 19 October, Bulgarians commemorate St Ivan Rilski, also known as St John of Rila, who is considered the country’s heavenly protector. He founded the..
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