On May 17, 2025, Hope Channel Bulgaria marked its 20th anniversary with a celebratory event in Sofia, bringing together international guests, partners, and long-time supporters under the inspiring motto, “We Live With Hope.”
More than 160 participants attended the festivities, including long-serving volunteers, past and present team members, leaders from the Bulgarian Seventh-day Adventist Union, and representatives from Hope Media Europe and the Inter-European Division.
“Hope Channel Bulgaria was the first media outlet in the country to stream Christian content live on the internet,” said Ivaylo Tomanov, Director of Hope Channel Bulgaria. “Throughout the years, our productions have focused on Christian virtues, biblical truths, and universal human values—contributing to the spiritual enrichment of our audience.”
The program featured heartfelt testimonies and reflections from individuals who have been part of the media ministry since its inception. Lyuben Katsarov, the first employee officially hired by Hope Channel Bulgaria, shared, “I was just 15 years old when the vision for Hope Channel began. I was driven by my passion for learning and the excitement of building something meaningful. Over the years, I have seen how God multiplied our humble efforts into something remarkable. Even today, I believe that Hope Channel Bulgaria, and Christian media in general, is an essential tool for mission and a vital component of modern Christianity.”
Elder Milen Georgiev, President of the Bulgarian Seventh-day Adventist Union, offered his congratulations and reflected on the channel’s growth. “I have witnessed the tremendous development of Hope Channel Bulgaria through the years. I see vast potential in its future. May your media presence continue to grow and find ever more creative ways to bless those seeking Christian content.”
Elder Klaus Popa, Director of Hope Media Europe, delivered a powerful sermon titled “Who Am I?” In his message, he emphasized the core mission of Hope Media: “Our desire is to help people live full, meaningful lives. Around the world, many are searching for peace, reconciliation, and connection with God. Through various media platforms, Hope seeks to guide them on this journey.”
In the afternoon, a panel discussion titled “Hope Channel and the Gospel on Air: The Role of Christian Media in a Constantly Changing Society” brought together Klaus Popa, Adrian Dure (Producer, Hope Media Europe), and Paulo Macedo (Director of Communication and Religious Freedom, Inter-European Division). Moderated by Mira Vassileva of AWR, the conversation explored key themes such as the distinctiveness of Hope Channel, the role of media in evangelism, and emerging opportunities in digital formats and artificial intelligence.
The program concluded with screenings of two films: a documentary about five-time world freestyle football champion Aguśka Mnich, part of the 2024 series “My Greatest Purpose” by Hope Media Europe, and the Bulgarian production “As Long As We Have Hearts” (2018), created by Hope Channel Bulgaria and directed by Petya Nakova. These were followed by short presentations and discussions with the filmmakers, highlighting the creative process, production challenges, and moments of divine guidance.
The 20th anniversary celebration of Hope Channel Bulgaria concluded with a reception marked by warm fellowship, shared memories, and renewed commitment to the mission of sharing hope through media.
