Metropolitan of Demetrias Leads Unity Service in Pomorie, Bulgaria

A multi‑archiepiscopal liturgy was held on 30 July at the Holy Temple of the Transfiguration of the Savior in Pomorie (historical Anchialos). The service, presided over by Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias, commemorated the 120th anniversary of the 1906 fire that destroyed Anchialos and the subsequent exodus of its residents. Metropolitan Arsenius of Sliven, Bishop Polykarpou of Leukopolis and other clergy from Greece and Bulgaria participated.

Greek officials attended, including Ambassador Marios Lymberopoulos, MP Christos Boukōros, the mayor of Pomorie Ivan Alexiev and the mayor of Halkidona. Speakers emphasized that shared Orthodox faith can foster unity and reconciliation, stating that “the memory can become a source of reconciliation, not division.” The ceremony highlighted the historical ties between the Greek and Bulgarian peoples and called for preserving the memory of Anchialos as a legacy of peace and brotherhood.