Cyricus and Julitta Church, Orthodox church in Bankya, Bulgaria.
The Church of Saints Cyricus and Julitta in Bankya is a masonry Orthodox church whose architectural plan was drawn up by the church-building specialist architect K. Tsvetkov. Its iconostasis and outer door were carved by the master carver Ivan Maranov, and the icons were painted by the Bulgarian artists Petrov, Vasilev, Gyudzhenov and Kuyumdzhiev. In 2010–2011 stained glass designed by academician Svetlin Rusev and made by glass artist Angelina Pavlova was installed in the church.
The decision to build the church was taken on 30 December 1925 by a board chaired by Father Tsvetan Stoyanov, and construction began in 1930 to a plan by architect K. Tsvetkov. It was solemnly consecrated on 24 July 1932 by Metropolitan Stefan of Sofia, later Bulgarian exarch, in the presence of Tsar Boris III, the speaker of the National Assembly and ministers. Large donors included Finance Minister Mihail Tenev and his wife Domna, the Chaprashikov and Trankarov families; the stones were brought by local people from Malo Buchino.
The church takes its name from two early Christian martyrs venerated in Orthodox tradition. This connection to ancient faith shapes how the community gathers and celebrates together through the year.
The sanctuary welcomes visitors during regular services held according to the Orthodox calendar. Those unfamiliar with Orthodox customs should check visiting hours in advance and dress appropriately if planning to enter the interior.
The church's stained-glass windows were designed by academician Svetlin Rusev and made by glass artist Angelina Pavlova in 2010–2011. The bell was donated by Bankya resident Bozhil Spasov, and local people hauled the building stones from the village of Malo Buchino.
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