Remembrance Day is a British holiday commemorating the casualties of war. Originally intended as a memorial day in honor of the fallen soldiers of World War I, today it encompasses all of the British war dead, as well as those of other nations who gave their lives while fighting for their countries.
In Sofia the occasion is marked by memorial proceedings at the British, French, German and Italian military cemeteries in central Sofia. The commemoration includes remarks from Ambassadors, a brief memorial service, homilies, and prayers. Wreaths are laid at the respective memorials by each of the participating countries, other embassies, and like-minded organizations who also wish to remember the sacrifice of those soldiers who died for their countries.
Remembrance Day Service
Example Order of Service:
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
WELCOME
THE GATHERING
We meet in the presence of God.
We commit ourselves to work
in penitence and faith
for reconciliation between the nations
that all people may, together,
live in freedom, justice and peace.
We pray for all
who in bereavement, disability and pain
continue to suffer the consequences of
fighting and terror.
We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow
those whose lives,
in world wars and conflicts past and present,
have been given and taken away.
THE LESSON
The Gospel according to St Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 43-48.
THE ACT OF REMEMBRANCE
Let us remember before God, and commend to his sure keeping those who have died in the service of their country
THE EXHORTATION
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
and in the morning,
we will remember them.
All say:
We will remember them.
THE LAST POST
Bugler salute
Silence (1 minute)
REVEILLE
PRAYER
Almighty and eternal God, from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted, either by death or life: hear our prayers and thanksgivings for all whom we remember this day; fulfil in them the purpose of your love; and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen.
THE LAYING OF WREATHS
PRAYER
Teach us, Lord, to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of
knowing that we do your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven.
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil,
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.
POEM
(Optional Recitation of appropriate work)
BLESSING
God grant to the living grace, to the departed rest, to the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth and all mankind, unity, peace and concord, and to us and all God’s servants, life everlasting, and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen
Bulgarian Public Holidays
Find out more about all of the official Bulgarian public holidays:
New Years Day Liberation Day International Workers Day St. George’s Day Day of Bulgarian Enlightenment, Culture and Slavic Literacy Unification Day Independence Day National Awakening Day Christmas Eve Christmas Day Easter
Additional Bulgarian Holidays
Find out more about these additional Bulgarian holidays:
Trifon Zaresan Day of Remembrance and Respect for Victims of the Communist Regime Baba Marta International Women’s Day Armed Forces Day Students Day
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