Never Forget 25 Years Later

Thomas Aquinas: Works and Common Latin Abbreviations by Dr. Dony K. Donev

Thomas Aquinas: Works and Common Latin Abbreviations

Consolidated reference table with Latin titles, supplied Greek title translations, and English translations. Latin abbreviations follow common modern Thomistic citation practice; variants occur by edition and publisher. Greek titles are translations/short titles, not a universal Greek abbreviation system.

Scope: principal authentic works plus selected doubtful/probably authentic works included in the prior table. “Doubtful” reflects the status used in this working reference; consult the Corpus Thomisticum and the citation guide required by your publisher for definitive editorial decisions.

Major works

Abbreviation	Latin title	Greek translation	English translation	Status
Super Sent.	Scriptum super libros Sententiarum	Σχόλιον εἰς τὰ βιβλία τῶν Ἀποφάσεων	Commentary on the Books of Sentences	—
ST	Summa theologiae	Σύνοψη τῆς θεολογίας	Summa of Theology	—
ST Suppl.	Supplementum tertiae partis	Συμπλήρωμα τοῦ τρίτου μέρους	Supplement to the Third Part	—
ScG	Summa contra Gentiles	Σύνοψη κατὰ τῶν ἐθνῶν	Summa Against the Gentiles	—
Comp. theol.	Compendium theologiae	Ἐπιτομὴ τῆς θεολογίας	Compendium of Theology	—
Lectura Romana	Lectura Romana in primum Sententiarum Petri Lombardi	Ῥωμαϊκὴ διάλεξις εἰς τὸ πρῶτον βιβλίον τῶν Ἀποφάσεων τοῦ Πέτρου Λομβάρδου	Roman Lectures on Peter Lombard’s First Book of Sentences	Doubtful

Disputed questions

Abbreviation	Latin title	Greek translation	English translation	Status
De verit.	Quaestiones disputatae De veritate	Διαλεχθεῖσαι ζητήσεις περὶ ἀληθείας	Disputed Questions on Truth	—
De pot.	Quaestiones disputatae De potentia	Διαλεχθεῖσαι ζητήσεις περὶ δυνάμεως	Disputed Questions on Power	—
Q. de anima	Quaestiones disputatae De anima	Διαλεχθεῖσαι ζητήσεις περὶ ψυχῆς	Disputed Questions on the Soul	—
De spir. creat.	Quaestio disputata De spiritualibus creaturis	Διαλεχθεῖσα ζήτησις περὶ πνευματικῶν κτισμάτων	Disputed Question on Spiritual Creatures	—
De unione Verbi	Quaestio disputata De unione Verbi incarnati	Διαλεχθεῖσα ζήτησις περὶ τῆς ἑνώσεως τοῦ σαρκωθέντος Λόγου	Disputed Question on the Union of the Incarnate Word	—
De malo	Quaestiones disputatae De malo	Διαλεχθεῖσαι ζητήσεις περὶ κακοῦ	Disputed Questions on Evil	—
De virtut.	Quaestiones disputatae De virtutibus	Διαλεχθεῖσαι ζητήσεις περὶ ἀρετῶν	Disputed Questions on the Virtues	—
De virtut. in comm.	Quaestio disputata De virtute in communi	Διαλεχθεῖσα ζήτησις περὶ ἀρετῆς καθόλου	Disputed Question on Virtue in General	—
De carit.	Quaestio disputata De caritate	Διαλεχθεῖσα ζήτησις περὶ ἀγάπης	Disputed Question on Charity	—
De correc. frater.	Quaestio disputata De correctione fraterna	Διαλεχθεῖσα ζήτησις περὶ ἀδελφικῆς διορθώσεως	Disputed Question on Fraternal Correction	—
De spe	Quaestio disputata De spe	Διαλεχθεῖσα ζήτησις περὶ ἐλπίδος	Disputed Question on Hope	—
De virtut. card.	Quaestio disputata De virtutibus cardinalibus	Διαλεχθεῖσα ζήτησις περὶ τῶν κυρίων ἀρετῶν	Disputed Question on the Cardinal Virtues	—
Quodl.	Quaestiones de quolibet	Ζητήσεις περὶ παντὸς θέματος	Quodlibetal Questions	—
De libro vitae	Quaestio De libro vitae	Ζήτησις περὶ τοῦ βιβλίου τῆς ζωῆς	Question on the Book of Life	Doubtful

Philosophical works

Abbreviation	Latin title	Greek translation	English translation	Status
De ente	De ente et essentia	Περὶ τοῦ ὄντος καὶ τῆς οὐσίας	On Being and Essence	—
De princ. nat.	De principiis naturae	Περὶ τῶν ἀρχῶν τῆς φύσεως	On the Principles of Nature	—
De unit. intell.	De unitate intellectus contra Averroistas	Περὶ τῆς ἑνότητος τοῦ νοῦ κατὰ τῶν Ἀβερροϊστῶν	On the Unity of the Intellect, Against the Averroists	—
De aetern. mundi	De aeternitate mundi contra murmurantes	Περὶ τῆς ἀϊδιότητος τοῦ κόσμου κατὰ τῶν γογγυζόντων	On the Eternity of the World, Against the Grumblers	—
De subst. sep.	De substantiis separatis	Περὶ τῶν χωριστῶν οὐσιῶν	On Separate Substances	—
De mixt. elem.	De mixtione elementorum	Περὶ τῆς μίξεως τῶν στοιχείων	On the Mixture of the Elements	—
De motu cord.	De motu cordis	Περὶ τῆς κινήσεως τῆς καρδίας	On the Motion of the Heart	—
De op. occ.	De operationibus occultis naturae	Περὶ τῶν κρυφίων ἐνεργειῶν τῆς φύσεως	On the Hidden Operations of Nature	—
De iud. ast.	De iudiciis astrorum	Περὶ τῶν κρίσεων τῶν ἄστρων	On Astrological Judgments	—
De sort.	De sortibus	Περὶ κλήρων	On the Casting of Lots	—
De fallaciis	De fallaciis	Περὶ τῶν σοφισμάτων	On Fallacies	Doubtful
De prop. modal.	De propositionibus modalibus	Περὶ τροπικῶν προτάσεων	On Modal Propositions	Doubtful
De cogn. animae	De cognitione animae	Περὶ τῆς γνώσεως τῆς ψυχῆς	On the Knowledge of the Soul	Doubtful
De immort. animae	De immortalitate animae	Περὶ τῆς ἀθανασίας τῆς ψυχῆς	On the Immortality of the Soul	Doubtful

Theology, church, and polemics

Abbreviation	Latin title	Greek translation	English translation	Status
De art. fid.	De articulis fidei et Ecclesiae sacramentis	Περὶ τῶν ἄρθρων τῆς πίστεως καὶ τῶν μυστηρίων τῆς Ἐκκλησίας	On the Articles of Faith and the Sacraments of the Church	—
De rat. fid.	De rationibus fidei ad cantorem Antiochenum	Περὶ τῶν λόγων τῆς πίστεως πρὸς τὸν ψάλτην τῆς Ἀντιοχείας	On the Reasons for the Faith, to the Cantor of Antioch	—
De perf.	De perfectione spiritualis vitae	Περὶ τῆς τελειότητος τοῦ πνευματικοῦ βίου	On the Perfection of the Spiritual Life	—
Cont. impug.	Contra impugnantes Dei cultum et religionem	Κατὰ τῶν πολεμούντων τὴν λατρείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τὸν θρησκευτικὸ βίο	Against Those Who Attack the Worship of God and Religious Life	—
Cont. retrah.	Contra doctrinam retrahentium a religione	Κατὰ τῆς διδασκαλίας τῶν ἀποσπώντων ἀπὸ τοῦ θρησκευτικοῦ βίου	Against the Teaching of Those Who Draw People Away from Religious Life	—
Cont. err. Graec.	Contra errores Graecorum	Κατὰ τῶν πλανῶν τῶν Ἑλλήνων	Against the Errors of the Greeks	—
De forma abs.	De forma absolutionis	Περὶ τοῦ τύπου τῆς ἀφέσεως	On the Form of Absolution	—
De regno	De regno ad regem Cypri	Περὶ βασιλείας πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα τῆς Κύπρου	On Kingship, to the King of Cyprus	—
De empt.	De emptione et venditione ad tempus	Περὶ ἀγορασίας καὶ πωλήσεως ἐπὶ χρόνῳ	On Buying and Selling on Credit	—
Ad Bernard.	Epistola ad Bernardum	Ἐπιστολὴ πρὸς Βερνάρδον	Letter to Bernard	—
Ad duc. Brab.	Epistola ad ducissam Brabantiae	Ἐπιστολὴ πρὸς τὴν δούκισσαν τῆς Βραβάντης	Letter to the Duchess of Brabant	—
De 6 art.	Responsiones ad magistrum Ioannem de Vercellis de VI articulis	Ἀποκρίσεις πρὸς τὸν διδάσκαλον Ἰωάννην τὸν ἐκ Βερκελλῶν περὶ ἓξ ἄρθρων	Replies to Master John of Vercelli on Six Articles	—
De 30 art.	Responsiones ad magistrum Ioannem de Vercellis de XXX articulis	Ἀποκρίσεις πρὸς τὸν διδάσκαλον Ἰωάννην τὸν ἐκ Βερκελλῶν περὶ τριάκοντα ἄρθρων	Replies to Master John of Vercelli on Thirty Articles	—
De 36 art.	Responsiones ad lectorem Venetum de XXXVI articulis	Ἀποκρίσεις πρὸς τὸν Βενετὸν ἀναγνώστην περὶ τριάκοντα ἓξ ἄρθρων	Replies to the Venetian Reader on Thirty-Six Articles	—
De 43 art.	Responsiones ad magistrum Ioannem de Vercellis de XLIII articulis	Ἀποκρίσεις πρὸς τὸν διδάσκαλον Ἰωάννην τὸν ἐκ Βερκελλῶν περὶ τεσσαράκοντα τριῶν ἄρθρων	Replies to Master John of Vercelli on Forty-Three Articles	—
De 108 art.	Responsiones ad magistrum Ioannem de Vercellis de CVIII articulis	Ἀποκρίσεις πρὸς τὸν διδάσκαλον Ἰωάννην τὸν ἐκ Βερκελλῶν περὶ ἑκατὸν ὀκτὼ ἄρθρων	Replies to Master John of Vercelli on 108 Articles	—

Philosophical commentaries

Abbreviation	Latin title	Greek translation	English translation	Status
Super Peri herm.	Expositio libri Peryermeneias	Ἑρμηνεία τοῦ βιβλίου Περὶ ἑρμηνείας	Commentary on Aristotle’s On Interpretation	—
Super Post. An.	Expositio libri Posteriorum Analyticorum	Ἑρμηνεία τῶν Ὑστέρων Ἀναλυτικῶν	Commentary on Aristotle’s Posterior Analytics	—
Super Phys.	In libros Physicorum	Σχόλιον εἰς τὰ Φυσικά	Commentary on Aristotle’s Physics	—
Super De caelo	In libros De caelo et mundo	Σχόλιον εἰς τὸ Περὶ οὐρανοῦ καὶ κόσμου	Commentary on Aristotle’s On the Heavens and the World	—
Super De gen.	In libros De generatione et corruptione	Σχόλιον εἰς τὸ Περὶ γενέσεως καὶ φθορᾶς	Commentary on Aristotle’s On Generation and Corruption	—
Super Meteora	Sentencia super Meteora	Σχόλιον εἰς τὰ Μετεωρολογικά	Commentary on Aristotle’s Meteorology	—
Super De anima	Sentencia libri De anima	Σχόλιον εἰς τὸ Περὶ ψυχῆς	Commentary on Aristotle’s On the Soul	—
Super De sensu	Sentencia libri De sensu et sensato	Σχόλιον εἰς τὸ Περὶ αἰσθήσεως καὶ αἰσθητῶν	Commentary on Aristotle’s On Sense and the Sensible	—
Super De mem.	Sentencia libri De memoria et reminiscentia	Σχόλιον εἰς τὸ Περὶ μνήμης καὶ ἀναμνήσεως	Commentary on Aristotle’s On Memory and Recollection	—
Super Ethic.	Sententia libri Ethicorum	Σχόλιον εἰς τὰ Ἠθικὰ Νικομάχεια	Commentary on Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics	—
Tab. Ethic.	Tabula Ethicorum	Πίναξ τῶν Ἠθικῶν	Table/Index of the Ethics	—
Super Pol.	Sententia libri Politicorum	Σχόλιον εἰς τὰ Πολιτικά	Commentary on Aristotle’s Politics	—
Super Metaph.	Sententia libri Metaphysicae	Σχόλιον εἰς τὰ Μετὰ τὰ φυσικά	Commentary on Aristotle’s Metaphysics	—
Super De causis	Super librum De causis expositio	Ἑρμηνεία εἰς τὸ Βιβλίον περὶ αἰτιῶν	Commentary on the Book of Causes	—
Super De div. nom.	In librum B. Dionysii De divinis nominibus expositio	Ἑρμηνεία εἰς τὸ βιβλίον τοῦ ἁγίου Διονυσίου Περὶ θείων ὀνομάτων	Commentary on Pseudo-Dionysius’s Divine Names	—
Super De hebd.	Expositio libri Boetii De ebdomadibus	Ἑρμηνεία τοῦ βιβλίου τοῦ Βοηθίου Περὶ Ἑβδομάδων	Commentary on Boethius’s On the Hebdomads	—
Super De Trin.	Super Boetium De Trinitate	Σχόλιον εἰς τὸ Περὶ Τριάδος τοῦ Βοηθίου	Commentary on Boethius’s On the Trinity	—

Biblical commentaries

Abbreviation	Latin title	Greek translation	English translation	Status
Super Ps.	Super Psalmos	Σχόλιον εἰς τοὺς Ψαλμούς	Commentary on the Psalms	—
Super Iob	Expositio super Iob ad litteram	Κατὰ γράμμα ἑρμηνεία εἰς τὸν Ἰώβ	Literal Commentary on Job	—
Super Is.	Super Isaiam	Σχόλιον εἰς τὸν Ἠσαΐαν	Commentary on Isaiah	—
Super Ier.	In Ieremiam	Σχόλιον εἰς τὸν Ἱερεμίαν	Commentary on Jeremiah	—
Super Thren.	Super Threnos Ieremiae	Σχόλιον εἰς τοὺς Θρήνους τοῦ Ἱερεμίου	Commentary on Lamentations	Doubtful
Super Matt.	Super Matthaeum	Σχόλιον εἰς τὸν Ματθαῖον	Commentary on Matthew	—
Super Ioan.	Super Ioannem	Σχόλιον εἰς τὸν Ἰωάννην	Commentary on John	—
Cat. Matt.	Catena aurea in Matthaeum	Χρυσῆ ἅλυσις εἰς τὸν Ματθαῖον	Golden Chain on Matthew	—
Cat. Marc.	Catena aurea in Marcum	Χρυσῆ ἅλυσις εἰς τὸν Μάρκον	Golden Chain on Mark	—
Cat. Luc.	Catena aurea in Lucam	Χρυσῆ ἅλυσις εἰς τὸν Λουκᾶν	Golden Chain on Luke	—
Cat. Ioan.	Catena aurea in Ioannem	Χρυσῆ ἅλυσις εἰς τὸν Ἰωάννην	Golden Chain on John	—
Super Rom.	Super Romanos	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Πρὸς Ῥωμαίους	Commentary on Romans	—
Super I Cor.	Super I ad Corinthios	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Αʹ Πρὸς Κορινθίους	Commentary on First Corinthians	—
Super II Cor.	Super II ad Corinthios	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Βʹ Πρὸς Κορινθίους	Commentary on Second Corinthians	—
Super Gal.	Super Galatas	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Πρὸς Γαλάτας	Commentary on Galatians	—
Super Eph.	Super Ephesios	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Πρὸς Ἐφεσίους	Commentary on Ephesians	—
Super Phil.	Super Philippenses	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Πρὸς Φιλιππησίους	Commentary on Philippians	—
Super Col.	Super Colossenses	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Πρὸς Κολοσσαεῖς	Commentary on Colossians	—
Super I Thess.	Super I Thessalonicenses	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Αʹ Πρὸς Θεσσαλονικεῖς	Commentary on First Thessalonians	—
Super II Thess.	Super II Thessalonicenses	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Βʹ Πρὸς Θεσσαλονικεῖς	Commentary on Second Thessalonians	—
Super I Tim.	Super I Timotheum	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Αʹ Πρὸς Τιμόθεον	Commentary on First Timothy	—
Super II Tim.	Super II Timotheum	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Βʹ Πρὸς Τιμόθεον	Commentary on Second Timothy	—
Super Tit.	Super Titum	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Πρὸς Τίτον	Commentary on Titus	—
Super Philem.	Super Philemonem	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Πρὸς Φιλήμονα	Commentary on Philemon	—
Super Heb.	Super Epistolam ad Hebraeos	Σχόλιον εἰς τὴν Πρὸς Ἑβραίους	Commentary on Hebrews	—

Catecheses, sermons, and liturgy

Abbreviation	Latin title	Greek translation	English translation	Status
In Symb.	Collationes in Symbolum Apostolorum	Διαλέξεις εἰς τὸ Σύμβολον τῶν Ἀποστόλων	Conferences on the Apostles’ Creed	—
Expos. Sal. ang.	Expositio Salutationis angelicae	Ἑρμηνεία τοῦ Ἀγγελικοῦ Ἀσπασμοῦ	Explanation of the Angelic Salutation	—
De dec. praec.	Collationes de decem praeceptis	Διαλέξεις περὶ τῶν δέκα ἐντολῶν	Conferences on the Ten Commandments	—
In orat. dom.	Expositio in orationem dominicam	Ἑρμηνεία εἰς τὴν Κυριακὴ Προσευχή	Explanation of the Lord’s Prayer	—
Off. Corp. Chr.	Officium Corporis Christi	Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ	Office of Corpus Christi	Doubtful
Adoro te devote	Adoro te devote	Σὲ προσκυνῶ εὐλαβῶς	I Devoutly Adore You	Doubtful
Serm.	Sermones	Κηρύγματα	Sermons	—
Princ. bib.	Principium biblicum “Hic est liber”	Βιβλικὸν προοίμιον «Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ βιβλίος»	Biblical Inaugural Lecture, “This Is the Book”	Doubtful

Citation components

Form	Meaning
pro.	prologue
q.	question
a.	article
obj.	objection
s.c.	sed contra / on the contrary
resp.	respondeo / central response
ad	reply to an objection
c.	chapter
lect.	lecture
dist. / d.	distinction
corp.	body of the article

Sources and use

Primary reference points: The Thomist, “Abbreviations and Citations of the Works of Thomas Aquinas” (2025); Corpus Thomisticum, Opera omnia and synoptic catalogue. Citation abbreviations and exact Latin titles can differ slightly among the Leonine edition, Marietti editions, institutional style guides, and digital editions.

Example: ST I, q. 2, a. 3 = Summa theologiae, First Part, question 2, article 3.

A Summer of Serving: Bringing Hope and the Gospel to Appalachian Communities

by Cup&Cross Ministries, Intl.

Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains has made ministry to this region deeply personal. The people and the challenges faced by rural families are not distant realities to us as humble messengers of the Gospel. Because of our commitment to honoring the dignity of every individual, we have never been a ministry that uses images of poverty or vulnerable children to raise support. For ethical reasons and out of respect for the families we serve, this report will be presented through words rather than photographs.

This summer, we have been blessed with numerous opportunities to minister throughout the rural communities from Tennessee to North Carolina. Each opportunity has been a reminder that ministry is often found in simple acts of compassion and being open to the tug on your heart to act where and how He commands. Our summer outreach began with an invitation to participate in a community event held at the county courthouse, where we helped provide shoes, school supplies, and food for more than 150 children. This initial partnership opened the door for further ministry involvement, including helping prepare and pack more than 300 ministry bags filled with Bible devotions, crafts, and resources designed to encourage children spiritually.

Following, we partnered with a local Baptist church to distribute vitamins we donated to children participating in their summer program. This was an unplanned event that from start to finish literally happened within 24 hours. For many families, basic health resources that we often overlook are difficult to afford. These moments remind us of the many blessings we experience each day and the importance of sharing those blessings with others.

Through the Cup & Cross Homeschool Network, we were also able to provide homeschool curriculum and educational resources to families within our community. Supporting parents who are committed to educating their children while strengthening their faith continues to be an important part of our mission. And during this election season, we have had the opportunity to engage with several candidates and community leaders to raise awareness about the importance of homeschool independence, parental rights, and educational freedom. Building upon these conversations, we continued advocating for families and strengthening relationships with local leaders which is apparent by Cup & Cross successfully working with the county commissioners to adopt our county as the first homeschool sanctuary in the Nation. We also are continuing to serve in the Summer Serve Project of the First Lady of our State as well.

Throughout the summer, we have also had the privilege of volunteering with several local churches during their Vacation Bible School programs and three week-long summer camps one of which was personally hosted to teach the Eastern European community in our area. These opportunities have allowed us to invest directly into the next generation by teaching children the Word of God and building relationships within our community which is so important to us. Jesus did ministry by “walking around” and it is one that should not be overlooked.

Our passion for reaching children with Biblical truth throughout the summer led to a unique divine connection beyond our local area. We traveled to North Carolina to minister to children within the Cherokee community of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the only federally recognized Native American tribe in North Carolina. This opportunity allowed us to share the love of Christ with our actions while learning from this historic community.

As we look ahead, we ask for prayer that God will continue to open doors and provide favor so that this relationship may grow and develop over the coming months. We are grateful for every opportunity to serve, knowing that even the smallest acts of kindness can become powerful expressions of God’s love.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

3 Sources of Spiritual Power

We need to have a spiritual awakening – we need a new power from God – the power of the Holy Spirit in us today, as on the Day of Pentecost! But the key which will release that power into our lives now is a new level of faith in Jesus Christ!

In Matthew 17, when Jesus’ disciples failed to cast out the demon from the epileptic boy and then asked him why, He rebuked them for their unbelief, ‘If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, remove hence to yonder place and it shall remove’, AND AFTER IT DOES, ‘nothing will be impossible to you!’ (Matthew 17:20). What a challenge – while I was preaching this, God showed me the hidden key!

Unbelief brings failure: Jesus rebuked His disciples because they did not have the faith to do what they had to do – they had been given a specific job and when they were left to do it, they failed! Jesus spoke to them very strongly. Because they knew that they had failed publicly and He had rebuked them openly, they came to Him privately to ask what had gone wrong, in those immortal words, ‘Why?’ – ‘Why could we not cast out this spirit and heal the boy?’

Faith is the KEY: There is something hidden here. Yes, Jesus said in answer to their question, ‘If you had faith… you could move mountains.’ But the real secret of power is hidden. We get stuck at the thought that mortal man could move anything bigger than himself! We agonise over the reality of moving that mountain – call our friends to stand with us in believing prayer – because this mountain is proving harder than we thought to move. Then when it happens – that miracle, that healing, or financial solution – we become so excited (as I experienced so many times personally), that we drop the real key down the drain in our excitement!

The disciples had missed the opportunity of releasing the greatest power into their lives – Jesus was putting a key in their hands, and if they would only use this key, their lives would never be the same again! For me, searching and hungry for more of God’s power in my life, I saw what I have been waiting for – THERE IS A SPIRITUAL ‘REGION BEYOND’. Do you want more of God – a fresh bempoweremnt by the Holy Spirit? Whether you come alone, with friends, or as part of a church group, we invite you to be part of this significant day:

• A Day to Release the Full Power of the Holy Spirit.
• A Powerful Day of Impartation, Worship and Revival.
• Come expecting a fresh touch from Heaven, to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

We have 3 Sources of Spiritual Power: The Holy Spirit, prayer, and the power of the blood…

Bezmer Residents Launch Petition Against U.S. Aircraft Deployment

Residents of the Bulgarian village of Bezmer have launched a petition opposing the deployment of American KC-135 tanker aircraft at the nearby military airbase, saying they fear the move could make the region a potential target because of tensions surrounding Iran.

The initiative was announced by Bezmer Mayor Rosen Rusev, who said support is already spreading to neighboring villages in Tundzha Municipality and across the Yambol region. The campaign follows the approval by Bulgaria‘s Parliament and government of a U.S. request to station up to eight American tanker aircraft and up to 250 military personnel at the Bezmer Air Base.

Local residents say their main concern is that the aircraft could be used for logistical missions connected to the conflict involving Iran, increasing security risks for nearby communities. “People in the village are worried because there are no clear guarantees for the security of the settlement itself,” Rusev said. “We hear that Iranian missiles can reach a target within minutes, and we do not know what system could intercept them because Bulgaria does not have modernized equipment capable of stopping such missiles.”

The petition has already been joined by the mayors and residents of Kozarevo, Malomir, Bolyarsko and other nearby villages. Signature sheets have been placed in municipal offices, shops and other public locations, with organizers planning to collect signatures until Friday. The document is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly, the regional governor of Yambol, the mayor of Tundzha Municipality and Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov during his scheduled visit to the region. The mayors of municipalities across Yambol Province have also prepared a joint position on regional security.

According to Rusev, support has grown rapidly. “In just one commercial establishment we counted around 100 signatures in a single day. There are several more collection points, so I believe there are already between 300 and 400 signatures, and the number is continuing to rise.” He acknowledged that residents understand the petition alone is unlikely to reverse the decision, but said some have also organized a protest outside the airbase scheduled for Friday evening.

The mayors of neighboring villages said they are hearing similar concerns from local residents. Bolyarsko Mayor Vanya Peeva said, “People follow the news and understand what is happening. The concerns are serious.” Roza Mayor Roza Encho Yorgov added that nearby villages fear they could become collateral victims if the airbase were ever targeted. “Residents believe that if anything happens at the airbase, neighboring settlements could also suffer from a conflict that we ourselves are entering,” she said.

Residents interviewed in Bezmer expressed fears that their village could become a military target. Some said they have no objection to the presence of aircraft or international military exercises, which have long been held at the base, but view the current deployment differently because they believe the tankers could directly support operations related to the Middle East.

“We are worried because Bezmer is becoming a target,” one resident said, while another added, “We don’t want them here. The whole village doesn’t want them.” Others argued that Bulgaria should avoid involvement in conflicts that do not directly concern the country. Several people said they were prepared to escalate their actions through protests, road blockades and civil disobedience if necessary.

Reports indicate that thousands of people have now joined the petition, while the first American tanker aircraft are expected to arrive at the airbase on Friday.

Defending the government’s decision, Progressive Bulgaria MP Yavor Gechev said the deployment serves Bulgaria‘s national interests and fulfills the country’s NATO commitments. Speaking on Bulgarian National Television, he noted that the presence of American military aircraft in Bulgaria is not unprecedented.

“Previously, American aircraft were stationed at Sofia Airport. Now they will be where they belong – at a military airbase,” Gechev said.

He stressed that Bulgaria is not at war with Iran and wants the conflict to end, but argued that refusing the request could damage relations with the United States, which he described as one of Bulgaria‘s key strategic partners. “These are strategic decisions. If we reject this cooperation, we risk worsening our relations with the United States, and that would also have economic consequences,” he said.

Gechev acknowledged that some supporters of the governing majority disagree with the deployment but maintained that decisions involving national security require a broader statesmanlike approach. He declined to comment on speculation linking the deployment to other diplomatic or economic issues, saying not every aspect of diplomacy can be made public.

VBS for Adults

For reasons obvious to most of our readers, I was able to attend no less than 10 (ten) VBS/Kids crusades this summer. Seven Baptist, several Pentecostals and a Methodist one.

The themes ranged from jungle journey and the Lion King to giddy up cowboys and cowgirls and world/planet/time travelling. All cool themes with lots of props and much careful preparation all in the name of bringing the Good News to the little ones. A noble cause truly worthy of any expense and labor for any church out there.

Time and length ranged from one whole day or one evening service to three nights and even several week long ones. For most of it, the ones held in most Baptist churches were designed by LifeWay and were well structured with kids constantly moving from station to station. The rest were somewhat free style, but still designed with the expectation of lots of children attending. In between each module there was candy, snacks or even a full blown supper.

The location of each VBS and the way it was designed for the crowd flow made the initial impression important. Signs welcoming and directing newcomers were grate, but the friendliness of the people made up for less signage and more human touch. Registration was a must and parents’ preferences were not taken lightly. The decorations of each room helped the children adjust to the new setting and work through the set curriculum. And yes, lots of kids made lots of mess so cleanness in class rooms, play areas and bathrooms were tended to. Some churches had a designated team that made sure the facilities were clean for the next group. And where cleanness was not intentional, it was observed that many parents did not return with their children.

Most VBS programs were designed around age groups. Some included even classes for toddlers and several had adult classes too. The ones that did not, included a family night toward the end of the week for parents to attend. A family night was a great feature for parents who did not attend but dropped their kids every night and picked them up afterwards. They were addressed with materials and opportunities for a spiritual renewal.

The thematic VBSs progressed with learning daily and build up on the previous day. The groups of children toggled between Bible lesson, crafts, games and lots of music. Kids were greatly encouraged to participate and learn the songs and dancing, recite Bible verses and answer questions from the covered material. Some parents participated too.

Prayer was made a central focal point for most of the VBSs observed. The Baptists ones, especially, had pledges of allegiance at the start of the service and assembly with prayer toward the end. A memorable experience for all children who enjoy social setting, making new friends and learn the Bible.

Here are several take ways to observe for a VBS in your church:

1. Prepare for lots of children – if you have it they will come
2. Train your workers. Form teams for each task. Assign measurable goals to ensure smooth moving through the program
3. Self designed VBS programs work as good as the paid ones, as long as designed with the children and families in mind
4. Chose the length of the event carefully with regard of your constitutions. For the most of it, less is really more.
5. Do not underestimate friendliness, cleanness and the safety of the children.
6. Don’t miss a family day. Everyone likes hot dogs and water slides on a hot summer day.

This goes without saying, but focus on God – it is easy to lose track and purposes in the larger design of such events.

PENTECOST has COME

BULGARIA after 2026 Elections: Putin’s Trojan Horse in EU…

Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev, a military general and pilot, is now Bulgaria’s new Prime Minister. He has served two presidential terms, and in January 2026 he resigned from office and entered the early parliamentary elections. Radev’s decisive victory in the parliamentary elections is a guarantee of absolute Parliamentarian majority for the first time since 1997.

A former member of the Communist Party, he has often taken ambiguous positions regarding Russia, considering Crimea to be ‘Russian’ and criticizing the European sanctions imposed in response to the war.” Given Radev’s attitude toward Putin and Russia, there is a risk of a pro-Kremlin government at a critical moment — he would be Putin’s Trojan horse in Europe.

DW: ‘A Trojan Horse for Putin’: Foreign media on the elections in Bulgaria

France-Presse recalls that during his campaign, Radev called for “practical relations with Russia, based on mutual respect and equal treatment.”

POLITICO: Pro-Russian candidate Rumen Radev emerges as the winner of the elections in Bulgaria

CNN: Bulgaria’s Kremlin-friendly ex-president wins election in landslide

BBC: The election was called after the previous government tried to push through a controversial budget in December, prompting mass protests which Radev, as president, supported.

FoxNews: Tired of political turmoil, Bulgarians give ex-president a convincing mandate for change

ALIVE!

Rev. Dony K. Donev, D. Min.

“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”

2 Timothy 1:5

My Grandma, Todorka Mindova, was one of the first Sunday school teachers in the Bulgarian Pentecostal Union. After successfully graduating from a training course in the city of Sliven led by Donka Kinareva and personally organized by Dr. Nicolas Nikolov, she was allowed to minister in the denomination. But for grandma, the faith was more than teaching or a sermon. It was life. Many Bulgarian Pentecostal ministers can testify to the effectiveness of her ministry. And for her constant fasting and thousands of answered prayers I could write a book.

But far more interesting for me as a child was the fact that being a Sunday school teacher, Grandma never tried to preach to me. In the hardest moments of life she would only confess these words, which I have remembered from my childhood: “We serve a living God.” More was not needed. For Grandma preached with her life. Read more

Pentecostal Neo-Primitivism: The Theological Framework

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