Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

The church’s restoration project incorporates Bulgarian symbolism, historical continuity, and stained-glass windows depicting Christian martyrs from around the world.

[object Object]

As part of the renovation of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Belene, a comprehensive transformation was carried out, uniting sacred art and architecture to strengthen the church’s spiritual presence and visual identity. As the episcopal shrine of Blessed Bishop Evgeni Bosilkov, the church carries deep spiritual and historical significance. The project included restoration of the façade and interior, as well as the creation of a series of stained-glass windows. Stoyan Karageorgiev contributed to the design and execution of the stained glass, the pediment, and the church’s interior artistic decoration. The project architects are Arch. Alexander Genchev and Arch. Iglika Lyutskanova.

  • The Church
    The full reconstruction was completed in 2020, restoring much of the church’s original 1860 appearance.
    The Church
  • Interior

    Interior

    The interior has been reimagined with respect for the original architectural character, with the principal elements restored. The floor has been completely redesigned and features a traditional Bulgarian motif drawn from a Chiprovtsi kilim.

  • Altar
    The altar has been preserved and fully renewed with marble cladding and restored decorative elements. The central painting has been cleaned and framed by a blue mosaic with gold tesserae, which—together with discreet lighting—accentuates the image.
    Altar
  • Mosaic

    Mosaic

    The altar table has been renewed in the style of the high altar, with double marble columns and a mosaic depicting the Lamb of God with a cross.

  • Stained-Glass Windows
    They play an important role in shaping the atmosphere, filling the church with colored light and visually echoing themes such as grace and martyrdom. The stained-glass windows depict sixteen Christian martyrs from different parts of the world, honoring their self-sacrifice.
    Stained-Glass Windows
  • Pediment

    Pediment

    The pediment was recreated in marble, based on photographs that preserve the church’s 1860 appearance.

Project Artworks
Detail of the Maximilian Kolbe stained-glass window
Detail of the Maximilian Kolbe stained-glass window
2023 - Belene, Bulgaria

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Mosaic — Coat of Arms of the Passionist Order
Mosaic — Coat of Arms of the Passionist Order
2022 - Belene, Bulgaria

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Marble pediment
Marble pediment
2022 - Belene, Bulgaria

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Stained glass - Edith Stein and Maximilian Kolbe
Stained glass - Edith Stein and Maximilian Kolbe
2023 - Belene, Bulgaria

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Stained glass
Stained glass
2022 - Belene, Bulgaria

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Stained glass - Pavel Florensky and Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Stained glass - Pavel Florensky and Dietrich Bonhoeffer
2023 - Belene, Bulgaria

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Altar
Altar
2022 - Belene, Bulgaria

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Stained glass - Pavel Djidjov and Fortunat Bakalski
Stained glass - Pavel Djidjov and Fortunat Bakalski
2023 - Belene, Bulgaria

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Other Projects