On May 25, the Bulgarian compatriots in Paris and the surrounding area gather at the traditional festival in Morainvilliers, dedicated to the holiday of Slavic writing and culture. All Bulgarian schools, compatriots and friends of Bulgaria are invited.

For priest Ivan Karageorgiev, the celebration of the Day of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius is one of the ways in which the Bulgarian Orthodox Church brings people who are far from the church together. "The festival is organised with the blessing of Metropolitan Anthony and under the auspices of Ambassador Radka Balabanova, for which we are grateful," says priest Ivan, who serves every Sunday in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church "St. Patriarch Euthymius of Tarnovo" in Paris:

"Co-organizer is the Zora dance ensemble and we are trying to be the center of this wonderful event, which perhaps brings the biggest number of Bulgarians together,” says priest Ivan in an interview for the "Bridge of Faith" podcast of Radio Bulgaria. “We strive to keep the focus on the work of the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius. This is not just a celebration of letters and literature, but also of faith. If faith had not preceded their enormous work, this work would not have existed and we would not have been here to return to the source."

People are welcome to participate with their prayers in the church services, priest Ivan says, hoping to be useful in providing spiritual support to Bulgarian compatriots abroad. And this care is expressed in the events that the parish organizes for children of different age groups, as well as for adults.

"Every time I come, I admire the devotion of the priests and I see that this place is truly a center in which our compatriots find support and strength. It gives them the peace of mind that they probably need and is truly a kind of haven for them,” Ambassador Radka Balabanova told Radio Bulgaria. “I am always happy when we have the opportunity to support the activities of the parish. I am glad that the church community is organizing the already traditional gathering for the Day of the Holy Brothers Cyril and Methodius. This is already the 29th festival. It is truly impressive that the Bulgarian community is gathering to celebrate this most beautiful Bulgarian holiday. For me it is a great pleasure to be here, but I am also happy when I see that the church is truly a special place for our compatriots and it gives them spirituality. Ultimately, this also gives us strength as a nation."

According to Ambassador Balabanova, the great challenge for the Bulgarian diplomatic mission in France is to continue to arouse interest among the French people, as Bulgaria is still not well known there.

"This requires a constant, purposeful effort, which the Bulgarian state has been making for years, but there is still much to be done together with all representatives of the Bulgarian community in France, including the Bulgarian church community."

In addition to the festival, the church in Paris also organizes exhibitions of icons and according to priest Ivan, they become a kind of bridge between peoples. In today's times of challenges, the icon can be this bridge, reminding us that we are all one in Christ, priest Ivan Karageorgiev says in conclusion.

Author: Darina Grigorova

Interviews: Alexandra Karamihaleva and Darina Grigorova

Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photos: Bulgarian School "Cyril and Methodius" in Paris, Bulgarian Orthodox Parish "St. Patriarch Euthymius of Tarnovo'" - Paris, pravoslavie.bg