Plovdiv Marks 170 Years Since Restoration of St. Marina Church with Star-Studded Concert.
A charity gala spectacle, Light Through the Centuries, will bring together some of Bulgaria's most beloved performers, actors, and musicians at the Ancient Theatre.
In addition to marking a significant anniversary, the performance also has a charitable mission.
The stage of the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv will welcome Sofia Opera prima ballerina Marta Petkova, principal ballet dancer Nikola Hadzhitanev, Nina Nikolina, Marius Kurkinski, Maria Slavova, the Vladigerov Brothers, pianist Evgeni Genchev, and other prominent Bulgarian performers. The event will be hosted by actors Evelin Kostova and Anthony Penev. At the invitation of the Plovdiv Diocese, Georgi Toshev, Ilko Ganev, Kiril Kirilov, and other guests will also take part.
Proceeds from ticket sales will support the preservation, maintenance, and educational and spiritual activities of churches in the Plovdiv Diocese. Organizers emphasize that every ticket purchased is a donation toward preserving the diocese's spiritual heritage.
The event will combine music, spoken word, theatre, and dance in a unified artistic concept showcasing the richness of the Orthodox tradition and its place in Bulgaria's spiritual and cultural life.
According to the Plovdiv Diocese, Metropolitan Nikolai of Plovdiv will lead a festive Divine Liturgy for the occasion. As part of the celebrations on July 16, events will begin at 6:00 p. followed by a solemn Vespers service at 6:30 p.