Patriarch Cyril, born Konstantin Markov Konstantinov in Sofia in 1901, served as the first leader of the restored Bulgarian Patriarchate. His tenure in the church hierarchy spanned decades of volatile political change, culminating in a posthumous recognition from Yad Vashem for his efforts during the mid-twentieth century to prevent the deportation of Bulgarian Jewish populations.
Ecclesiastical Formation and Rise
The future patriarch underwent his initial religious training at the Sofia Seminary, where he studied between 1914 and 1918. He later continued his academic development at Chernivtsi University. On December 30, 1923, he received his religious name of Cyril at the St. Nedelya Church. By 1938, he had ascended to the position of Metropolitan of Plovdiv, serving in this regional capacity for fifteen years before his national elevation.
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On May 10, 1953, Cyril was elected Patriarch of Bulgaria. He occupied this office until his death in 1971. Throughout his time as patriarch, he was active in international spheres, holding membership in the World Peace Council. His ministry utilized his fluency in German and Bulgarian, allowing him to navigate complex religious and diplomatic interactions within the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Recognition for Humanitarian Action
During the events of 1943, the Metropolitan intervened to prevent the forced removal of Jews. Reports indicate he confronted guards overseeing the transport of captives, threatening to obstruct the progress of the trains with his own body. In 2001, Yad Vashem conferred upon him the title of Righteous Among the Nations for his commitment to saving lives. This historical role is depicted in the oratorio A Melancholy Beauty, composed by Georgi Andreev with a libretto by Scott Cairns and Aryeh Finklestein.
Death and Succession
Cyril died on March 7, 1971, in his native city of Sofia. He was interred within the main church of the Bachkovo Monastery, located approximately 189 kilometres from the capital. Following his passing, he was succeeded in his patriarchal duties by Maxim of Bulgaria.
Fast facts
- Born: 1901, Sofia
- Died: 1971, Sofia
- Secular name: Konstantin Markov Konstantinov
- Patriarchal tenure: 1953-1971
- Education: Sofia Seminary, Chernivtsi University
- Award: Righteous Among the Nations (2001)
- Burial site: Bachkovo Monastery
- Successor: Maxim of Bulgaria
Questions readers ask
What was his role during the deportation of Bulgarian Jews?
He confronted guards in 1943, vowing to block the deportation trains with his own body until the detainees were released.
Where is Cyril of Bulgaria buried?
He is buried in the main church of the Bachkovo Monastery, which is 189 kilometres from Sofia.
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 2001
- Worked as patriarch
- Educated at Sofia Seminary and Chernivtsi University
