The head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Neofit, served a special liturgy on the country’s National Liberation Day at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia.

The day also coincides with the start of the Holy Lent period for Orthodox Christians, leading up to Easter.

“Let us bow our heads to the spirit and heroics of those who took part in the battle for our liberation. Let us not forget their example. We must remember that freedom is a gift from God, but also one achieved through faith and struggle” the Patriarch said in his address to the believers.

Following the liturgy, the Bulgarian flag was raised during an honorary ceremony at the square in front of the Nevsky Cathedral, before the Monument of the Unknown Warrior.

The ceremony was attended by the President Rosen Plevneliev, the Minister of Defence Angel Naydenov, and the Head of Parliament Mihail Mikov.