May 2025

An ancient church has reopened its doors after a complete renovation made possible by a generous donation from GEOTECHMIN GROUP through the Bulgarian Virtues Charity Programme. The fully restored St Mina Church, located in Slatina Residential District in Sofia, welcomed dozens of believers with the ringing of bells and a solemn Divine Liturgy conducted by His Holiness Patriarch Daniil. This 19-century church is recognised as an architectural and artistic monument of culture, and its restoration was funded entirely through donations. The largest contribution to the renovation was made by Prof. DSc. Eng. Tzolo Voutov, with additional support from PhD Eng. Vladimir Vutov and PhD Eng. Ivan Vutov through the Bulgarian Virtues Charity Programme. More than 1,000 people also contributed personal donations and volunteered their time and efforts to help breathe new life into this sacred place of worship, built during the Bulgarian Revival period.

On behalf of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Daniil expressed deep gratitude to Prof. Voutov for the donation. ‘We rejoice that, after a long period of desolation, God placed a noble intention in the heart of a man born here – Mr Tzolo Voutov – who could no longer bear to see this sacred place fall further into ruin,’ said the Patriarch.

‘Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Prof. Voutov, the Church Trustees, the builders from Geostroy AD and the unwavering faith of many Christians, the church rose anew – restored with love and reverence,’ said Protopriest Andon Sofiin, Chairman of the Church Trustees.

‘Churches stand as pillars of faith and spirituality – sanctuaries where we come to rest, reflect and reconnect: with God, with our roots, and with one another. Within these sacred walls, the past, present and future merge in silent witness to our shared values and aspirations. May we – the citizens of Sofia and Bulgaria – remain united in our duty to protect and cherish such places. Faith, culture and collective memory are the foundations upon which we build a strong, vibrant society for our children and the future generations yet to come,’ said Prof. DSc. Eng. Tzolo Voutov after the solemn liturgy.

The restoration of the church was carried out by Geostroy AD. Extensive construction work and design modifications were performed as part of a general overhaul, aimed at improving the property while preserving the church’s authentic appearance. The structure was reinforced with new concrete belts, and the roof was entirely rebuilt and covered with old-style Bulgarian pan tiles.

A new bell tower, a service building, a safety fence, and a security system with video surveillance were constructed in the churchyard. Additionally, new water and power supply lines, along with a platform for people with disabilities, were installed to ensure accessibility. Outdoor lighting has also been added and the churchyard has been fully landscaped and beautified.

One of the most remarkable findings during the restoration was the original iconostasis, concealed beneath four layers of oil-base paint. Crafted in the classical Revival style of the Samokov Art School, it was carefully restored and gilded. Additional findings included a wooden throne buried under multiple layers of paint, as well as fragments of a wedding wreath and rapids were also discovered and restored. ‘Although many icons have been lost or stolen over the decades, those that remain have been painstakingly restored,’ said Father Andon.

The opening ceremony drew a large gathering of believers, clergy and local community representatives, all united in their joy that prayers and bells again echo through the church that had long stood silent. Among the official guests were the Mayor of Sofia Municipality Vassil Terziev, the Deputy Chairman of Sofia Municipal Council Boyko Dimitrov, the Mayor of Slatina District M.Eng. Denimir Kotev, the Deputy Minister of Culture Assoc. Prof. Todor Chobanov, the President’s Advisor on Religious Affairs Assoc. Prof. Plamen Slavov, as well as representatives from academia, the arts, and the cultural sector.

‘The church will now be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with liturgies served daily,’ announced Father Andon.