A priest in a landmark church in Tsarevo has begun construction of a road, alleys and a new plaza to the house of God. We are talking about the church of the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the neighborhood of Vasiliko. Both the church and the area around it have historical significance.
Father Stoyan Kralev's dream is for the place to be even more welcoming for believers who flock there year-round. Father Kralev himself joined in the construction activities around the church, Nova TV reports.
For the holy Christian holiday of Easter, the church of the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary welcomes the laity with a new alley and a platform, the scent of the sea and blooming trees and bushes.
"I do it with pleasure, not out of obligation, and I myself am happy to participate in something good. And I think that this should be the main motive of a person - whatever he does, he should do it with his heart. If it doesn't bring him joy, in my opinion, it is better not to get involved. He should find a career that will bring him joy," said Father Stoyan Kralev.
His idea to build a road to the temple is welcomed by the local municipality, because this way the church will be more accessible to more people, especially for disadvantaged citizens.
"After the renovation last year, we provided paving stones that will improve the place. It will be welcoming, nice, SO that people can enjoy the view. So we are actively helping now for the temple in Lozenets, we will also help in Ahtopol", assured the deputy mayor in the "Culture and Tourism" sector in the Tsarevo Municipality Maria Dimitrova.
"Having the support of the municipality is very good. It is a very pleasant feeling to know that you can call the mayor and he will pick up. When you tell him that you need a fadroma, he will find someone who will come in ten minutes", Kralev explained.
"Holy Assumption of the Virgin" is the oldest temple in Tsarevo, towering by the sea in the "Vasiliko" neighborhood. It was built in 1810, but on the foundations of a 10th century church, says Father Stoyan Kralev. He shares that for him the place has a special charge. Archaeologists have discovered that as early as the 6th century BC, the Thracians inhabited the peninsula, and the region is a preferred destination for tourists and believers.
"I sincerely hope that this will be appreciated not only by tourists. Everything that is done is to create convenience for the person who comes to the liturgy. Because if we do not participate in the liturgy, but only pass by the temple just to take a selfie, it will be a pity. A person enters the church to find relief from their problems, their spiritual and physical health, to ask God for something they need," noted Father Stoyan.
Kralev manages to inspire faith in those around him, to show the way to being better.
The priest reminds us that we must keep the faith and be humble.