The 55th Conference of the European Supreme Councils of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was held in Istanbul with exceptional interest

From 6 May 2029 to 10 May 2029, the 55th Conference of the European Supreme Councils of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was held in Istanbul. The Conference took place in the presence of 37 delegations from Europe and around the world, most of them led by their Sovereign Grand Commanders.

The Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for Bulgaria was represented by a delegation composed of: Illustrious Brother Spas Panchev, 33°, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander; Illustrious Brother Nikolay Ivanov, 33°, Lieutenant Grand Commander; and Illustrious Brother Angel Tyankov, 33°.

The importance and prestige of the event were clearly underscored by the presence of a delegation from the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, regarded as the “Mother Supreme Council” of the world. Thirty-two Supreme Councils participated in the closed session reserved exclusively for the European Supreme Councils of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

Once again, the decision was reaffirmed that participation in the Conference of the European Supreme Councils is reserved solely and exclusively for Supreme Councils originating from Regular Grand Lodges recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England.

During the discussions, important decisions were adopted regarding the further development of the structure of the European Conference. The Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for Finland was elected host of the 56th European Conference in 2029, and the main topics for discussion at the 2029 Conference were outlined in advance.

A scientific conference was also held under the theme: “Intergenerational Differences and Communication: Their Effects on the Scottish Rite.” Illustrious Brother Spas Panchev, 33°, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander, also delivered a presentation.

Following the conclusion of the Conference, the delegation of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for Bulgaria took part in the solemn Annual Festival of the Supreme Council of Turkey, held in the presence of more than 700 Brethren.

Illustrious Brother Spas Panchev, 33°, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander, presented to the Sovereign Grand Commander of Turkey, Illustrious Brother Harun Kuzgun, a gift on behalf of the Bulgarian members of the Scottish Rite. The gift was a beautifully framed copy of the newly issued and officially validated commemorative postage stamp “25 Years of the Scottish Rite in Bulgaria.”