Greece and Bulgaria Exchange Historic Relics, Including Tsar Samuel’s Remains

Greece and Bulgaria signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, September 29, to exchange historic objects. Greece will hand over the skeletal remains identified as those of medieval Bulgarian ruler Tsar Samuel, and Bulgaria will return 48 ecclesiastical artefacts taken to Sofia in 1917. The ceremony is set for October 3 at the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki, with both prime ministers expected to attend.

UsNews and World ReportGreece to return medieval ruler Tsar Samuel’s remains to Bulgaria – Cyprus Inform Historic Greece-Bulgaria agreement returns 48 artefacts after more than a century Sofia and Athens agree on reciprocal transfer of historic relics Greece to return Tsar Samuil’s remains to Bulgaria Greece hands over the remains of Tsar Samuil and Tsar Gavril Radomir to Bulgaria

Tsar Samuel (Samuil) ruled the First Bulgarian Empire from 997 to 1014 and is celebrated for resisting the Byzantine Empire. His remains were uncovered at the Basilica of Saint Achillios on Prespa Lake by Greek archaeologist Nikolaos Moutsopoulos; sources cite either 1965 or 1969 for the discovery. The issue entered diplomatic talks in 2022 when Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov raised it alongside energy and infrastructure matters.

Greece to return Tsar Samuil’s remains to Bulgaria

The artefacts to be returned come from three northern Greek religious institutions—the Monastery of the Virgin Mary Ikosifinissa, the Monastery of St John the Baptist near Serres, and the Holy Metropolis of Serres and Nigrita. They have been housed at Bulgaria’s National Historical Museum since 1917.

Sofia and Athens agree on reciprocal transfer of historic relics

• Remains transferred: Tsar Samuel’s skeleton and material from three additional sarcophagi, including Tsar Gavril Radomir.

Greece hands over the remains of Tsar Samuil and Tsar Gavril Radomir to Bulgaria

• Artefacts returned: 48 ecclesiastical items.

Historic Greece-Bulgaria agreement returns 48 artefacts after more than a century

• Ceremony date: October 3, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. in Thessaloniki.

Greece to return medieval ruler Tsar Samuel’s remains to Bulgaria – Cyprus Inform

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev called the agreement “historic,” noting it ends six decades of efforts to repatriate Samuel’s remains. The Greek Ministry of Culture described the memorandum as “historically significant.” Culture ministers Lina Mendoni (Greece) and Evtim Miloshev (Bulgaria) emphasized the reciprocal nature of the exchange and broader cultural cooperation.

Greece to return medieval ruler Tsar Samuel’s remains to Bulgaria – Cyprus Inform

• Discovery year: Reuters and Kiprinform report 1965; BNR News cites 1969.

Historic Greece-Bulgaria agreement returns 48 artefacts after more than a century

• Number of artefacts: Some outlets say “nearly 50,” while the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture specifies 48.

Historic Greece-Bulgaria agreement returns 48 artefacts after more than a century

• “We have reached a historic agreement on the return of the remains of Tsar Samuil” — Rumen Radev

Greece to return Tsar Samuil’s remains to Bulgaria

• “On Saturday, October 3, at 12:30 p.m., I invite all Bulgarians to Battenberg Square, in front of the Royal Palace in Sofia, to welcome the remains together and pay tribute to the great Bulgarian ruler” — Rumen Radev

Greece to return Tsar Samuil’s remains to Bulgaria

After the October 3 ceremony, the remains will be flown to Sofia aboard a Spartan aircraft and placed in a special sarcophagus at St Sofia Church. Bulgarian officials have invited the public to gather at Battenberg Square at 12:30 p.m. to welcome the remains.

Greece hands over the remains of Tsar Samuil and Tsar Gavril Radomir to Bulgaria