On June 26, Her Excellency Mrs. Ursula Hofter Zuccoli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Republic of Bulgaria,

hosted a reception at the Vrana Royal Palace to celebrate the feast of its patron, Saint John the Baptist. Celebrated on June 24, this day is the national holiday of the Order.

H. E. Ursula Hofter Zuccoli welcomed His Majesty King Simeon II, ambassadors from over 30 countries, diplomats, bishops and clergy of the Catholic Church in Bulgaria, business representatives, university professors, public figures, journalists, and artists. The national anthems of Bulgaria and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta were solemnly performed by the National Guards Unit Band.

Following this, Her Excellency addressed the guests with a welcoming speech:

I am very happy to welcome you in this beautiful atmosphere of the Royal Palace of Vrana and I thank His Majesty for this extraordinary possibility to celebrate our special 30^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the Order of Malta. The Order of Malta is deeply linked with the Royal family as many of the members were and are members of the Order.

My sincere gratitude goes to the National Guards Unit for their excellent performance of the national anthems. I would also like to thank the Bulgarian authorities with which we have worked so well in the years, especially the Ministry of foreign affairs. I would like to thank also all our partners, sponsors and volunteers for their big efforts to help the activities of the Order of Malta in Bulgaria. On this outstanding occasion, the Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta has sent a greeting message that I will share with you now:

"The first presence of the Order of Malta in Bulgaria dates back to the Middle Ages when some of the Knights of the Order crossed the Bulgarian land on their way to Jerusalem. It was not until 1994 that the Republic of Bulgaria and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta officially established diplomatic relations. This was shortly after the fall of communism, the country was facing extreme poverty, and the people were in need of food, clothes, and other basic items, so the Order contributed to this emergency by making its first donations.

The opening of the Order’s Embassy in Sofia in 2005 marked the start of humanitarian activities on a regular basis and boosted the development of the bilateral relations which rapidly became excellent. Since then, the Embassy has donated ambulances, ultrasound scanners, and other medical equipment and furniture to hospitals throughout Bulgaria. Also, it has organized summer holidays and run specific projects for disadvantaged children. The Order has promoted so far 550 humanitarian, medical, and social activities overall in 250 different places.

At the institutional level, over the years a Cooperation Agreement and a Postal Agreement were signed, and a large number of official visits were exchanged between Bulgaria’s and the Order’s highest institutional representatives, including a few State Visits.

I rejoice at our friendly bonds and excellent bilateral relations as well as at our close cooperation. Spurred on by the motto tuitio fidei and obsequium pauperum (defence of the faith and assistance to the poor), the Order of Malta will continue to provide the neediest people in your country with care and assistance. In this respect, let me express our gratitude to Bulgaria for supporting our efforts and joining the forces.

2024 is a special year as it marks the 30^th anniversary since diplomatic relations were established between Bulgaria and the Order of Malta back in 1994. I am very glad to address, on behalf of myself and the Government of the Order, our warmest greetings and special thanks to all the esteemed representatives of the Bulgarian institutions attending today’s celebrations. I am confident that our relations will be strengthened and developed further in the years to come.

Please receive the assurances of my distinguished consideration,

                                               Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Chancellor"

After the speech, Her Excellency Mrs. Ursula Hofter Zuccoli presented awards on behalf of the government of the Order to distinguished individuals and volunteers for their notable contributions.

Following the ceremony, all guests enjoyed lively conversations in the pleasant atmosphere of the gardens and rooms of the Vrana Royal Palace.

Photos are provided by the Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in the Republic of Bulgaria.