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

The tragedy in Kočani

Bulgaria declares National Day of Mourning in memory of the victims of Kocani nightclub fire

Photo: BTA

March 18, 2025 has been declared a National Day of Mourning in memory of the young people who died in the tragic fire in a nightclub in the town of Kočani, Republic of North Macedonia. The decision to this effect was made yesterday by the Bulgarian Council of Ministers.
The Bulgarian Government expresses its condolences to the relatives of the deceased, and in their memory, the national flags of state institutions will be lowered throughout the day.

Last night, in the Sofia-based Saint Nedelya Cathedral, His Holiness the Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil served a requiem prayer for those who died in the tragic incident in Kocani. The service was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to Bulgaria Agneza Rusi.

After the liturgy, a consecration of oil was served for the healing of the victims.

"Your Excellency, brothers and sisters, we mourn together with the people of North Macedonia in these days of mourning for the loss of all the people who died in Kocani. We pray for the repose of their souls and express our sincere and deepest condolences for the misfortune that has befallen you. Also for God's help and support to all those who survived this tragedy, but are infirm, suffering from burns," said Patriarch Daniil.



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

Sunshine, temperatures will rise to above 30 Celsius on Thursday

On Thursday the weather in Bulgaria will be sunny, in the afternoon over the mountainous areas with insignificant cumulus clouds. There will be a weak, in the eastern regions to moderate wind from the south-southeast.  Temperatures will rise and..

published on 8/20/25 7:35 PM

Bulgaria is represented in an art project at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport

Magura Cultural Center is participating in the art project ''Irenwe Wa: she speaks the regular way'', created as part of the Terminal 5 expansion at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. ''This installation highlights the voices of immigrant..

published on 8/20/25 6:09 PM

Rosen Zhelyazkov and Yulia Svyrydenko discuss Ukraine's EU integration

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov held a video conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. During the meeting, Rosen Zhelyazkov reaffirmed Bulgaria’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the context of the war. He recalled that..

published on 8/20/25 5:44 PM