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On the festive occasion of May 24th, the Metropolitan John of Varna and Veliki Preslav, announced his support for the construction of the monument to the Holy Seven Saints.
24 May 2026
Photo: Varna and Veliki Preslav Holy Metropolis
The president of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, Krasimir Nedyalkov, took part in the ceremonial opening of the Day of St. St. Cyril and Methodius, the Bulgarian alphabet, education and culture, and Slavic literature. Greetings were delivered from the stage in front of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin by the Mayor of Varna, Blagomir Kotsev, and the Metropolitan John of Varna and Veliki Preslav.
In his address, His Eminence said:
“I fulfill the pleasant duty of announcing to the entire public of Varna that, with our blessing and with the support of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, and in celebration of the 35th anniversary of this prestigious higher spiritual school, we supported the idea of building a monument to the Holy Seven Saints, who are closely connected with our diocese. This monument is to be erected near the Metropolitan Cathedral Church - the second largest church dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God.
We pray to Almighty God to strengthen our minds and grant us unity of spirit and peace in carrying out this nationally beneficial, spiritual, and sacred undertaking.
Happy holiday!
May God’s blessing and His mercy be with all of us!
Amen!”
Video: Varna and Veliki Preslav Holy Metropolis
With the blessing of the Metropolitan John of Varna and Veliki Preslav, Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” supported the initiative of the “Bulgarian Patriots” Association to build a monument to St. St. Cyril and Methodius and their disciples, and will donate nearly 70% of the funds required for the construction of the monument. This cause carries deep significance - in the year marking the university’s 35th anniversary, we want to leave Varna a symbol of gratitude and a message for the future. A message that a nation without memory has no direction. That education is a spiritual mission. That knowledge, culture, and art are the strength that creates an honorable society.
Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” took part in the festive parade with an official delegation that included more than 350 students, doctoral candidates, lecturers, staff members, and alumni. The university is celebrating its 35th anniversary with an excellent institutional accreditation score in Bulgaria - 9.01. This year, Varna Free University was also included in the QS World University Rankings, the most prestigious and influential international ranking of higher education institutions. The university ranks fourth among Bulgarian universities in terms of digital reputation.
Later that day, the graduation ceremony for the 30th graduating class in the history of Varna Free University ”Chernorizets Hrabar” took place in the Plenary Hall of the Municipality of Varna. Over this period, the university established strong educational traditions, developed modern academic fields, and prepared more than 48,000 specialists who have successfully realized themselves both in Bulgaria and internationally.
During the official ceremony in Varna on May 24th, the academic management presented diplomas to nearly 300 graduates from the autumn session. Around 100 graduates will receive their diplomas at the university’s branch campus in Smolyan on June 13th, 2026 (Saturday), in the university’s Bulgaria Hall.
