Greece Receives 53 Artifacts from Bulgaria After 109 Years

Fifty-three ecclesiastical artifacts returned to Greece from Bulgaria after 109 years were presented on October 10 at the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki. The items, documented in 48 inventory records, date from the 16th to the 19th century.

The collection includes icons, liturgical vessels, vestments, a bishop's throne, a gate, and an analogion. Notable pieces feature a wooden door with filigree and ivory inlay, a silver-gilt cover of St. John the Baptist, two ornate processional crosses, and reliquaries, one dated March 25, 1821.

“The return of these specific items recognizes their immediate and legal ownership in Greece.”

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni stated the return recognizes Greece's immediate and legal ownership. The artifacts will be temporarily exhibited before returning to their monasteries and church authorities of origin.

The repatriation marks the first result of a bilateral agreement signed September 29 for the mutual "deposit" of historically significant artifacts. Mendoni said the deal paves the way for documenting and claiming additional items, manuscripts, and objects held in Bulgaria.

Among the highlights are two pairs of ripidia (liturgical fans) from the 16th century, crafted in gilded silver with enamel decoration. One pair belongs to the Monastery of Timios Prodromos, the other to the Holy Metropolis.