We restored a 19th-century church with donation from Bulgarian Virtues Programme
St Mina Church in Slatina Residential District has reopened its doors after a complete restoration, made possible by a generous donation from Prof. DSc. Eng. Tzolo Voutov, with the support of PhD Eng. Vladimir Vutov and PhD Eng. Ivan Vutov through the Bulgarian Virtues Charity Programme along with personal contributions from more than 1000 devoted believers. The complete renovation was carried out by Geostroy AD.
The 19th-century church, an important cultural and historical monument from the Bulgarian Revival period, was rededicated in a solemn liturgy conducted by His Holiness Patriarch Daniil, who welcomed the faithful into its newly restored sanctuary.
In a moving speech following the liturgy, Patriarch Daniil said, ‘We rejoice that, after a long period of desolation, God placed a noble intention in the heart of a man born here – Mr. Tzolo Voutov – who could no longer bear to see this sacred place fall further into ruin.’
‘Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Prof. Voutov, the Church Trustees, the builders from Geostroy AD, and the unwavering faith of many Christians, the church rose anew – restored with love and reverence,’ said Protopriest Andon Sofiin, Chairman of the Church Trustees.
‘Churches stand as pillars of faith and spirituality – sanctuaries where we come to rest, reflect and reconnect: with God, with our roots, and with one another. Within these sacred walls, the past, present and future merge in silent witness to our shared values and aspirations. May we – the citizens of Sofia and Bulgaria – remain united in our duty to protect and cherish such places. Faith, culture and collective memory are the foundations upon which we build a strong, vibrant society for our children and the future generations yet to come,’ said Prof. DSc. Eng. Tzolo Voutov.
The event turned into a joyful celebration for the local community, a living testament that the spirit of the Bulgarian Revival still thrives here. Just like their ancestors, who had built the church, today’s residents – through the support of generous donors – managed to preserve it, halting its decline and honouring the legacy entrusted to them.
Among the official guests attending the event were the Mayor of Sofia Municipality Vassil Terziev, the Deputy Chairman of Sofia Municipal Council Boyko Dimitrov, the Acting Mayor of Slatina District M.Eng. Denimir Kotev, the Deputy Minister of Culture Assoc. Prof. Todor Chobanov, the President’s Advisor on Religious Affairs Assoc. Prof. Plamen Slavov, the Chairman of the Union of Bulgarian Artists Hristo Mutafchiev, as well as representatives from academia, the arts, and the cultural sector.
