Anglican Church in Sofia celebrating 25 years of worship and community

The Anglican Church in Sofia is celebrating 25 years of serving the English-speaking Christian community in Bulgaria, the church said in a media statement.

Established at Advent 2000, the church was originally planted by the Anglican Church of the Resurrection in Bucharest and remains part of the Church of England’s Diocese in Europe today.

Initially meeting at the British ambassador’s Residence, the congregation moved in 2007 to the Catholic Chapel of the Annunciation at 5 Oborishte Street in central Sofia. The chapel belongs to the Eparchy of Saint John XXIII of Sofia for the Catholics of the Byzantine Rite in Bulgaria, which is part of the Bulgarian Greek Catholic Church (commonly referred to as the Bulgarian Catholic Church).

This landmark year is marked by several significant events, the statement said:

On March 23 2025, The Venerable Dr Leslie Nathaniel, Archdeacon of the East, Germany and Northern Europe, will formally relicense Pastor Bob Hall, who has faithfully led the church for the past seven years.

Rev. Dr. Nevsky Everett from the Anglican Church of the Resurrection in Bucharest will also be present, strengthening the long-standing ties between the two churches.

In October 2024, the church transitioned from twice-monthly services to weekly Sunday worship, a major step in expanding its presence as Sofia’s only Church of England congregation.

Over the past three years, the church has introduced and strengthened various ministries, including:

o A weekly Toddler Group for families.

o Coffee & Conversations evenings to build fellowship. o Bible studies for deeper engagement with faith.

o Special liturgical services, such as its first-ever Imposition of Ashes for Ash Wednesday in 2025.

Music has been an integral part of worship at the Catholic Chapel of the Annunciation for over 25 years, thanks in part to Dr. Maya Raykova, a renowned organist and professor, who has been playing at the chapel since before the Anglican Church in Sofia began using the space.

As part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations, the church is hosting:

o A May 2025 concert featuring the University of Plymouth Choir.

o A special musical evening later in the year, featuring Dr. Maya Raykova alongside other musicians.

o A new pianist joining the church’s worship team, further enriching the musical tradition.

After 25 years under the oversight of the Anglican Church of the Resurrection in Bucharest, the Anglican Church in Sofia is now in the process of becoming an independent chaplaincy within the Diocese in Europe, ensuring a lasting Anglican presence in Bulgaria.

As part of its commitment to Christian unity, the Anglican Church in Sofia is strengthening its partnerships with the Bulgarian Catholic Church, which graciously hosts the congregation, the International Baptist Church in Sofia, promoting interdenominational fellowship, and the Bulgarian Christian Student Union (BXCU), supporting students in their faith journey.

As an international congregation, the Anglican Church in Sofia welcomes people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and Christian traditions, the statement said. The church’s motto reflects this inclusivity: “All are welcome, all are loved”.

Services are held in English, offering a traditional yet welcoming Anglican worship experience.

The statement said as the Anglican Church in Sofia celebrates 25 years, everyone is invited to take part in its worship, fellowship, and upcoming special events.

“Whether you are a long-time resident, a newcomer, or just passing through, the church remains a place where you are welcomed, valued, and loved,” it said.

More Info & Events: https://go.anglicansofia.org/links