The Templars in Bulgaria celebrated their seventeenth anniversary at the National Museum of History.

The most beautiful hall of the National Museum of History — the Sun Hall — hosted on August 16, 2025, the solemn ceremony with which the Order of the Knights Templar of Jerusalem (OSMTH) in Bulgaria — Grand Priory of Bulgaria — celebrated its seventeenth anniversary.

“As the national treasury of Bulgaria, preserving its heritage, spirit, and faith, it is a privilege for the National Museum of History to host events related to the affirmation of Christian values and virtues,” commented Assoc. Prof. Dr. Boni Petrunova, Director of the National Museum of History

Under the leadership of the Grand Prior of the Grand Priory of Bulgaria — Major General (ret.) Acad. Rumen Ralchev — knights and dames from across the country gathered at the National Museum of History for the Great Templar Blessing.

During the solemn assembly, a Knight’s Accolade (knighting ceremony) was performed, new Postulants (novices) were admitted, and a new Grand Officer of the Temple of Jerusalem was appointed, serving as the Grand Advocate of the Order in Bulgaria. The members with the most distinguished presence and achievements were honored and awarded by the Grand Prior of the Order in Bulgaria, Major General (ret.) Acad. Rumen Ralchev.

The Grand Priory of Bulgaria is a full member of the Order of the Knights Templar of Jerusalem (OSMTH) — a non-governmental organization headquartered in Switzerland, holding special consultative status with the United Nations and serving as a permanent member of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations at the UN.

Today, members of the Grand Priory of Bulgaria take part in committees within the permanent missions of the Order to the United Nations — in Geneva, Vienna, and New York. The members of the Grand Priory of Bulgaria are distinguished and honorable Christians who have proven themselves in society.