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The Church Unites Christians and Muslims

Sergey Stanishev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria

People say that the mountains of Rila and Pirin rise so high in the skies because they want to reach God. Here, in the Rhodope Mountain, God has come down to Earth, touched it and created this wonderful, warm and hospitable mountain.
In the Rhodpes one may reach full enlightenment and this is why you, the citizens of this lovely Bulgarian town, are somehow heartier than the rest of our fellow countrymen.
I would like to thank all the members of the Saint Vissarion of Smolyan Association for they managed to prove with their deed that no man could succeed in life without contributing to the good of the others. And this is something everybody should remember. We all should contribute to the prosperity of Bulgaria.
I know that not only Christians donated funds for the building of this church, but also Muslims and this is only natural, because people of different religious confessions have lived together, celebrated together, mourned together and raised their children together for centuries.
I am firmly convinced that the church of Saint Vissarion of Smolyan will be a real home of God and its doors will always will be open for everybody!
This Gift Will Bring Luck

Stefan Danailov, Minister of Culture:
The Cathedral St. Vissarion of Smolian was built in the right place and at the right time. The gift by the Batkovs will be an extremely precious acquisition for Smolyan and I hope that it will bring luck to the region.
Important Sign for The Young

Gerogi Petkanov, Minister of Justice
The cathedral is magnificent. I am convinced that the cathedral will have a huge historical significance for the new generation.
Holy Day for Smolian

Dora Yankova, Mayor of Smolian
This is a holy day for our town and for the Rhodopa Mountains. We received a gift - this magnificent Eastern Orthodox Cathedral. I want to thank to Zdravka and Todor Batkovs on behalf of all the citizens of the municipality. These are the people of modern Bulgaria. When a man is successful and he gives a part of his success for something spiritual and real these are all signs for a turn for the better in the development of our country.
Lets Preserve the Bulgarian Spirit

Dr. Ivan Chomakov, Mayor of Plovdiv
The region badly needs such churches. The cathedral is unique and very impressive. People from all over Bulgaria arrived to attend the sanctification of the church. I am glad that there are Bulgarians like the Batkovs who are ready to do whatever is necessary to preserve Christianity and the Bulgarian national spirit.

Source - StandartNews