Greece and Bulgaria agree to exchange historical and religious relics

Greece and Bulgaria have reached an agreement for the exchange of historical and religious relics. Under the deal, Bulgaria will return 48 ecclesiastical items to Greece that were removed from Northern Greek monasteries and metropolises over a century ago, specifically from the Holy Monastery of Panagia Eikosipoinissa and the Holy Metropolis of Serres and Nigrita. In exchange, Greece will deliver the remains identified as those of Tsar Samuel to Bulgaria.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate has welcomed the agreement, describing it as the ‘beginning’ of the restoration of looted items. Patriarch Bartholomew expressed satisfaction with the process, noting that he had previously raised the issue with Bulgarian leadership. The Patriarchate also expressed hope that this development serves as a precedent for the repatriation of other cultural treasures, such as the Parthenon Sculptures.

Political opposition in Greece, specifically the PASOK party, has criticized the government's handling of the matter. PASOK argued that the items were stolen by Bulgarian occupation forces during World War I rather than simply ‘transferred’ in 1917. The party called for greater transparency regarding the full contents of the agreement and urged the government to commit to reclaiming all remaining stolen treasures and manuscripts rather than labeling such efforts as ‘maximalism’.