In an interview with the Bulgarian News Agency on Saturday, archaeologist Prof. Lyudmil Vagalinski of the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences described the exchange of Tsar Samuel’s mortal remains and 48 relics between Bulgaria and Greece is good news for Bulgaria and also good news for the Balkan countries. He is in Thessaloniki, where the team that worked on preparing the remains is at the final stage of its work. The remains of Tsar Samuel and his family have been prepared in three coffins.
In his view, cooperation between them is possible even on issues related to periods of conflict in the past.
“We will return to Sofia within a few hours with a symbol, with a very important part of our history,” he said. “We are at the final stage, a memorable moment. It is a very good deed for Bulgaria, which we have brought to a successful conclusion together,” Vagalinski added.
He pointed out that archaeologists and two physical anthropologists took part in the work. He noted the contribution of the Bulgarian Government and diplomatic mission, including Bulgaria’s Ambassador to Greece Valentin Poriazov and Consul in Thessaloniki Anton Markov, as well as Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev and his Deputy Plamen Slavov.
Prof. Vagalinski also highlighted the work of the physical anthropologists from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Viktoria Ruseva and doctoral student Donika Yordanova. “Without such a strong commitment to work and partnership, without a good team, Government, diplomats and experts, things would not have worked out. I am very happy and pleased that we did our job well,” the archaeologist said.
“We live in the present and we must leave a positive message for our children, especially that peace and good neighbourly relations are priceless and are the most important thing,” Vagalinski said.
The official ceremony for the handover of the mortal remains of Bulgarian Tsar Samuel (997-1014) from Greece to Bulgaria began at the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki. Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis are attending the ceremony. The Bulgarian side is also represented by Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov, Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev and representatives of the academic community. Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni is also taking part.
Under the agreement between Sofia and Athens, Greece is handing over to Bulgaria the remains identified as belonging to Tsar Samuel, discovered in 1969 at the Basilica of St Achillius on Lake Prespa by Greek archaeologist Prof. Nikolaos Moutsopoulos. Bulgaria, in turn, is handing over 48 church relics to Greece.
Following the ceremony, the mortal remains will be transported to Sofia aboard a Spartan military transport aircraft. Later on Saturday, a state ceremony to receive them is scheduled to take place in the Bulgarian capital, after which they will be carried in a procession to the Basilica of St Sofia and placed in a specially made sarcophagus.
Archaeologist Lyudmil Vagalinski in Thessaloniki: Exchange of Tsar Samuel’s Remains and Greek Relics Good News for Bulgaria, Balkans 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-03 08:12:08
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