Bulgarian Orthodox Community in Hamburg Celebrates Important Saints in a Unique Way

On July 27, 2023, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church Community "Saints Cyril and Methodius" in the German city of Hamburg will hold a solemn liturgy that will attract the attention of Orthodox believers in the region. The service is planned in two consecutive time zones - morning and main, and will be performed entirely in Bulgarian.

The official announcement of the community, distributed through their Facebook page, emphasizes the spiritual significance of the upcoming event. "Our parish is celebrating a temple feast and cordially invites everyone to honor the memory of the saints," the message reads.

The specific date coincides with the seventh Sunday after Pentecost and has a special symbolic meaning. On July 27, the memory of several important saints is traditionally celebrated - Saint Clement of Ohrid, Saint Panteleimon, and the so-called Seven Saints. The historical context reveals that this day is dedicated to spiritual figures who have an exceptional contribution to the Christian faith and Slavic enlightenment.

An interesting fact is that the community has a rich history associated with various temporary prayer houses in Hamburg. From its establishment in 2007 to 2019, Bulgarian Orthodox believers have been "guests" in various Protestant churches, passing through several locations - from Bugenhagenkiche in Barmbek to a temporary base on Röntgenstrasse.

A turning point occurs on May 11, 2019, when His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony solemnly opens a new Bulgarian church in the Eilbek district. This moment is the result of many years of efforts by Father Krastin Apostolov, the church board, and numerous volunteers.

The acquisition of the current church building was made possible thanks to the support of exceptional individuals such as Professor Gerd-Winand Immer - Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Northern Germany, and Astrid Kleist - curator of the Evangelical Church in Hamburg.

The Western and Central European Diocese of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, whose leader is Metropolitan Anthony with a central office in Berlin, continues to expand its spiritual presence in the European space through such active communities.

The liturgy on July 27 will be not just a religious event, but a true celebration of Bulgarian spirituality, preserving the traditions and memory of the saints far from the homeland.