Sofia University Marks 125th Anniversary, Honors Patron

St Kliment Ohridski monument in downtown Sofia is located in the garden between the Sofia University and the National Assembly. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

Days after its blockade was partially lifted, the oldest high education institution in Bulgaria Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski, marks on November 25, 125 years since its establishment

Established in 1888 and named after one of most prominent enlighteners of Bulgaria, (St Clement of Ohrid, St Kliment Ohridski), the university celebrates, along with the Orthodox Church, its patron.

In recent weeks, Bulgaria’s capital Sofia has witnessed a series of student protests and the occupation of university buildings that have injected new life into a persistent anti-government movement.

In recent years, the celebrations have been marred by protests rallies of students and educators against budget cuts. The main argument of the protestors was that undercutting a country's education and science inevitably leads not only to spiritual, but also to social and economic downfall.