Exarch Joseph (of Bulgaria)

Exarch Joseph of Bulgaria was a prominent 19th-century Orthodox Christian bishop and national leader who played a key role during Bulgaria's struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. As the exarch (patriarchal representative) of Bulgaria within the Russian Orthodox Church, he helped promote Bulgarian religious and national identity through establishing churches, schools, and cultural institutions. His leadership fostered unity among Bulgarians and strengthened their fight for independence, which was achieved in 1878. Exarch Joseph is remembered as a significant religious and national figure who contributed to Bulgaria's cultural revival and sovereignty.