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Vice President Iliana Yotova

Iliyana Malinova Yotova is a Bulgarian politician, the 5th Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, participated today in the commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church on the shores of the Golden Horn "Saint Stephen", also known as the Iron Church.

The event was attended by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as a number of officials from Bulgaria and representatives of the Bulgarian community in Istanbul, BTA reported.

Among the official guests were the Minister of Culture Prof. Velislav Minekov, the Bulgarian ambassador in Ankara Angel Cholakov, the chairman of the Bulgarian community in Istanbul Vasil Liaze and others.

The solemn service, which lasted about two hours, was performed by Archimandrite Haralampii Nichev.

Vice President Iliana Yotova

Iliyana Malinova Yotova is a Bulgarian politician, the 5th Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, gave a short but emotional greeting in which she emphasized that the 130th anniversary of the Saint Stephen's Church is a very important event and defined the Iron Church in Istanbul as a symbol of unity and the Bulgarian nation.

The Iron Church in Istanbul turns 130 years old

Numerous gifts were also presented to the church, including from the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Mrs. Yotova, who donated an icon.

Later, she will open the new school year for the students and teachers at the Bulgarian Sunday School "St. Saint Cyril and Methodius" in Istanbul, which is housed in the Exarchate House in Sisli district.

Founded 6 years ago, it is the only Bulgarian school in Turkey.

Tomorrow, the vice president will have a series of meetings, including with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

Iliana Yotova

Istanbul

The Iron Church