HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF ST. CYRIL AND ST. METHOD IN BUDAPEST

Construction of the Bulgarian Orthodox of St. Cyril and St. Method in Budapest was clearly an important event in the life of the Bulgarian Community of Hungary. The event did more than enrich the spiritual life of the community. It served not only to satisfy religious needs: it also reflected the growing national self-awareness of the Bulgarian residents of Hungary. this historical and spiritual foundation enabled construction of the church to begin. Construction costs were covered by donations from Bulgarian community of Hungary. The Office of the Mayor of Budapest donated a plot of land 22,982.368 square feet (about half an acre) in size on Vagohid Street in the city's 9th district. Construction of the church, designed by Hungarian architect Aladar Arkay, began in 1931 and was finished by May 1932. This church is the only religious structure in Hungary constructed in Byzantine style. The designs called for a basilica shaped like a cross, with a high dome resting on a round drum. The altar apse is hemispherical. It has an arched narthex and is topped by a belfry.