Sofia, Bulgaria - December 25, 2007 (3:13pm)  Behind me is the Sveta Nedelya Church.  It is one of several beautiful landmarks in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.

On April 16, 1925, a group of Bulgarian communists blew up the roof of this magnificent church.  This occurred during the funeral service of General Konstantin Georgiev, who was killed in another communist assault two days earlier.  Over 150 people died in this church, mainly from the country’s political and military elite, and around 500 were injured.  This assault was the worst act of terrorism in the history of Bulgaria.  The communist were evil and cruel, and in a class hardly any different than people like Osama bin Laden.  They also brought misery and terror to Bulgaria for half a century.

This act of terrorism was actually an attempt to assassinate King Boris III.  Pavel Groueff, who was my grandfather, was King Boris’ right hand man and Chief of the Cabinet, and was supposed to attend this funeral.  For some reason, my grandfather was running late that day:  He arrived at the Sveta Nedelya Church after the bomb went off.  He not only saved his own life after being late but also saved the life of King Boris III who was waiting for him!  Sadly, my grandfather was executed by the communist after they took power.

My grandfather was a great a man and I only wish I could have met him in person.  My mother once told me that he had a tendency to be late (just like me!).  This has made me wonder if having such a quality is hereditary as I am not known for being very punctual.  Although tardiness is not normally a good thing, this was one instance where it definitely was, after it saved my grandfather’s life as well as the life of King Boris III.