In the days leading up to Holy Week, an impressive philatelic exhibition dedicated to the final days of the earthly life of Jesus Christ was opened in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Varna. Titled “The Gospel Narrative of the Last Days of the Earthly Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ Through the Eyes of Philately”, the exhibition presents the spiritual story of Christ’s Passion and His glorious Resurrection through postage stamps from around the world.

The exhibition features around 140 stamps from 33 countries, including Serbia, South Korea, Cyprus, Brazil, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guyana, Ajman, and Fujairah. These miniature works of art depict key Gospel scenes created by artists and engravers from various cultures and traditions.

The display follows chronologically the events from Lazarus Saturday to Easter Sunday. Each stamp is accompanied by a short explanatory text that introduces visitors to the specific Gospel moment — from the Raising of Lazarus and the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem to the final hours of Christ’s path toward Golgotha.

Special attention is given to the Via Dolorosa (“The Way of Sorrow”) in Jerusalem, where Christ began His final earthly journey. The exhibition also presents the history and symbolism of Easter eggs, reflected in numerous philatelic issues from different countries.

The exhibition is arranged in the western part of the cathedral, where the restoration of the wall paintings was recently completed. After the Feast of the Resurrection, restoration work will continue on the southern wall and in the altar area. The project has been approved by the National Institute for Immovable Cultural Heritage and the Ministry of Culture, and is funded by the Metropolis, the church board, and donors.

The Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God, one of the largest in Bulgaria, was completed in 1886 and painted under the direction of Nikolay Rostovtsev. Today, it continues to serve not only as a spiritual center but also as a place that actively supports cultural initiatives.

An interesting detail is that the author of the exhibition remains anonymous. This adds symbolic depth — the focus is not on the individual, but on the message conveyed through the stamps. The exhibition is a natural continuation of the previous philatelic display in the cathedral, dedicated to the Nativity of Christ.

The postage stamps will be on display until May 21, when the Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension. The exhibition is not only a cultural event but also a spiritual experience, demonstrating how even the smallest visual carriers — postage stamps — can tell great and timeless stories.