On the 2^nd of May 2021 Ambassador Pavlova and the Bulgarian Embassy staff members participated in the celebration of Orthodox Easter with the Bulgarian Society in South Africa (BSSA) and many people of the Bulgarian diaspora. On the occasion of Easter holiday a solemn liturgy was held in the chapel “St. Ivan Rilski” by Father Yonko Ivanov.

Immediately after the liturgy Father Yonko introduced to the Bulgarian community the newly appointed Ambassador of Bulgaria to the Republic of South Africa Maria Pavlova. Ambassador Pavlova greeted all the Bulgarians gathered in the church hall with this mostly loved Christian holiday. She highlighted the symbolic meaning of Easter festivities in the history of the Bulgarian communities abroad. She recalled the key role of this holiday in the national struggle of the Bulgarian people for independent Bulgarian church during the national Revival culminating in the recognition of the Bulgarian community with its own national identity, church, language and culture. “In our efforts for safeguarding the Bulgarian language and preserving the Bulgarian customs, traditions and culture we draw inspiration from the ideal cherished by the revivalist Bulgarians”, said the Bulgarian diplomat.

 She highly appreciated the start of the construction of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church with the support of the Bulgarian state as a spiritual centre for the Bulgarians in South Africa, who remain deeply attached to their country of birth and their Bulgarian roots. Ambassador Pavlova assured those present in the commitment of the Bulgarian Embassy to help the Bulgarians in their patriotic initiatives and to become simultaneously a driving force in elaborating joint projects and events, thereby popularising the Bulgarian culture and history and enriching the positive image of our country in the Republic of South Africa.

After the liturgy, on the lawn in front of the Bulgarian Club and the School “Slancho” the people performed Bulgarian national dances “Horo” and “Rachenitsa”. The staff members of the Embassy joined them. Traditional Bulgarian dishes, prepared by members of the Association were served.

About 250 Bulgarians and their families, residents of Johannesburg, Pretoria and other places in the Province of Gauteng, participated in the celebrations.