Cyril of Bulgaria

Cyril of Bulgaria, born on January third, nineteen oh one, in Sofia, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. His journey into religious leadership began when he adopted the name Cyril at the St. Nedelya Church on December thirtieth, nineteen twenty-three. By nineteen thirty-eight, he had ascended to the role of Metropolitan of Plovdiv, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his ecclesiastical career.

On May tenth, nineteen fifty-three, Cyril was elected as the first Patriarch of the restored Bulgarian Patriarchate, a position he held until his passing. His tenure was marked by a profound commitment to his faith and community, culminating in his burial at the main church of the Bachkovo Monastery, located one hundred eighty-nine kilometers from Sofia.

Cyril's legacy extends beyond his ecclesiastical duties; he played a crucial role in the Bulgarian resistance against the Holocaust. His courageous actions in nineteen forty-three, where he confronted the captors of Bulgarian Jews, are immortalized in the oratorio 'A Melancholy Beauty.' In a remarkable display of solidarity, he pledged to accompany the deportees and even threatened to block the train with his own body, leading to the unexpected release of the Jews.

In recognition of his bravery and humanitarian efforts, Cyril, alongside Stefan I of Bulgaria, was honored by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations in two thousand one. His contributions to both the church and society have left an indelible mark on Bulgarian history, and he was succeeded by Maxim of Bulgaria.