Greece and Bulgaria to Exchange Tsar Samuel’s Remains for Historic Orthodox Religious Treasures
Greece and Bulgaria have reached a historic agreement for the reciprocal transfer of cultural and religious treasures, paving the way for the return of 48 ecclesiastical artifacts removed from Greek monasteries during World War I in exchange for the remains of Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria.
According to an announcement by the Greek Ministry of Culture, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and her Bulgarian counterpart, Evtim Miloshev, signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the reciprocal deposit of the historical artifacts, concluding negotiations that have been underway for more than a decade.
The Greek Ministry of Culture described the agreement as a development of historic significance, following years of systematic efforts by both countries.
Under the agreement, Bulgaria will return 48 valuable ecclesiastical artifacts originating from the Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa on Mount Pangaion, the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Serres, and the Holy Metropolis of Serres and Nigrita.
The treasures were taken to Sofia in 1917, during World War I, and have since been preserved or exhibited at Bulgaria’s National Museum of History.
In exchange, Greece will transfer to Bulgaria the remains identified as belonging to Tsar Samuel, who ruled from 997 to 1014.
The remains were discovered in 1965 by Professor Nikolaos Moutsopoulos at the Basilica of Saint Achilleios in Prespa and have been housed at the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki.
Main Image: Courtesy Greek Culture Ministry