The Church of St. Petka Samardzhiyska, located in the heart of Sofia, is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Built in the 11th century during Byzantine empire times on Bulgarian lands, the church is dedicated to the great holy martyr Paraskeva (Petka) of Iconium, who suffered in the 3rd century. The temple is revered for its intricate frescoes, believed to be the work of the great icon painter and ascetic Saint Pimen Zografski.
The church’s name, Samardzhiyska, is derived from the artisans-samarjis, i.e., masters of Samaris, who took care of the temple’s beauty and good internal arrangement. The church was threatened during the period of Ottoman domination. Still, its preservation was granted by the Ottoman Empire after some more awake Christians from Sofia sent gifts to the sultan and requested the High Gate to preserve the churches in today’s city center.
The church has faced several challenges, including being buried underground after September 9, 1944, and closed for more than 45 years. However, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church demanded the temple’s return in 1992, and it opened its doors to the faithful a month before the schism. Today, daily services are held, and spiritual care is provided to the faithful.
