The Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God, also known as the Joy of All Sorrows, in Sofia is associated with the philanthropist Yordanka Filaretova. Here are some key points about the church:
1. Construction Period: The church was built between 1922 and 1926. It stands as a significant architectural and religious structure in the central part of Sofia.
2. Founder – Yordanka Filaretova: Yordanka Filaretova, the prominent philanthropist behind the construction of the church, played an active role in Bulgaria’s struggle for liberation from Turkish rule. She was not only a significant figure in philanthropy but also received recognition as the first Bulgarian woman to be awarded the Red Cross.
3. Gilded Iconostasis: One of the notable features of the church is its gilded iconostasis, which is among the few in the Sofia Diocese and Bulgaria. This iconostasis was crafted in the second half of the 19th century.
4. Funding and Origin of the Iconostasis: The funds for the creation of the gilded iconostasis were provided by the Russian Panteleimon Monastery in Mount Athos. The iconostasis was originally intended for the “St. Vmchk. Panteleimon” temple in the Russian Nikolaev Hospital in Constantinople. The icons for the iconostasis were crafted in the icon-painting workshop of the Belozersky Skete, dedicated to “St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.”
The church’s association with Yordanka Filaretova and its architectural and artistic features make it a notable site in Sofia, reflecting both religious and historical significance.
