Press Release October 20, 2005
BCA Students Meet Renowned Religious Leader From Bulgaria
BRADFORD, MA, Oct. 20, 2005 – Bradford Christian Academy’s guest speaker program took a decidedly international turn this month. Reverend Christo Kulichev, a pastor and evangelical leader in Bulgaria, visited the school on October 19 and shared his unique perspective with 7 th, 8 th, 9 th and 10 th graders during their Bible studies and history classes.
“Our Guest Speaker Program provides students with an opportunity to meet thought leaders in the religious, academic, business and civic communities. We are deeply honored that Rev. Kulichev was able to spend a day at Bradford Christian Academy,” noted headmaster Larry George.
Soft spoken and gentle in manner, Rev. Kulichev told students a riveting story of courage in the face of religious repression in his home country. As a young man, he witnessed mass arrests of pastors and church leaders under the Communist regime following the end of World War II. According to his book, Imprisoned for Christ, some pastors were sentenced to life in prison in solitary confinement, while many more received lengthy prison sentences or simply disappeared.
Rev. Kulichev recounted how at the age of 19, in spite of this persecution, he decided to become a minister. That choice would later cost him his freedom. In 1985, he too was arrested for his religious beliefs.
Three and a half years of imprisonment and exile in a small village far from his home and family followed. “Those years were a difficult time for me as well as for my family. But in the midst of the difficulties, God sustained us with his grace and taught us some of the most valuable lessons of our lives,” he said.
Students heard not only a first-hand account of historical events but also learned inspirational life lessons from Rev. Kulichev who, at age 75, still serves as pastor of the First Evangelical Church in Sofia. He is currently in America in connection with the second printing of his book and this month, has been visiting churches in New England.
About BCA
Bradford Christian Academy is a college preparatory middle- and high-school institution, dedicated to academic excellence and the integration of faith and learning. The school serves communities on the North Shore and Merrimack Valley and is conveniently located at the junction of Route 133 / I-495 / Route 125 and Route 97. Applications for enrollment in grades 6-10 are now being accepted. For additional information about the school and its programs, families can call 978-373-7900 or visit the website, www.bradfordchristianacademy.org.
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97 Oxford Avenue • Bradford, MA 01835 • 978-373-7900