Skopje, 4 May 2026 (MIA) - The 123rd anniversary from the death of Macedonian revolutionary and freedom fighter Goce Delchev was observed at his grave in Skopje-based church "St.Spas" on Monday.

A Government delegation led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, also including Deputy PM Ljupcho Dimovski and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski, laid wreaths at Delchev's tomb. Lawmakers, representatives of the President's Office, diplomatic corps, political parties, civic associations, Veterans' Union, Army, local authorities and citizens also paid their respects.

Macedonian Orthodox Church-Ohrid Archbishopric (MOC-OA) Pontiff, HH Stefan, held a memorial serice, saying that Delchev had believed the true struggle for freedom aims to achieve humanity, justice and dignity.

"He had the belief that every person is entitled to live freely and that every nation is entitled to build itself in its own environment, while no personal or nation's freedom should be built on others' suffering," said Archbishop Stefan.

PM Mickoski said the Government would continue to honor and foster Delchev's ideals.

"We paid our respects to the great Macedonian hero Goce Delchev. The Government will do everything to accomplish his ideals - independent Macedonia including all citizens living in this country," said Mickoski.

He added that Delchev's life and work should be instilled in coming generations because "the values he fought for are not fully respected even nowadays by some EU members."

SDSM leader Venko Filipche said the ideals of the Macedonian revolutionary for a free and just state go against the policies of the current VMRO-DPMNE leadership.

"SDSM observes the anniversary with deep respect for Delchev's idea for a free and just Macedonia. While honoring Delchev's struggle, we say to the people: the time of justice and accountability is coming. SDSM will continue its fight together with the citizens to give them back the power, for a democratic and European Macedonia, the just and free country that Goce Delchev aspired for," said Filipche.

Delchev, who famously envisioned the world as a "field for cultural competition among nations," was killed by the Ottoman Army on May 4, 1903, in the village of Banica.

Born in Kukush on Feb. 4, 1872, Delchev was educated in Thessaloniki and Sofia before becoming a teacher in Shtip. As a central figure in the anti-Ottoman resistance, he helped build a network of revolutionary committees, represented the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization at its Thessaloniki Congress in 1896 and served as a foreign representative of the organization in Sofia until 1901.

His remains were moved several times following his death — from Banica to Xanthi to Sofia — before being permanently interred at the Church of St. Spas in Skopje on Oct. 11, 1946.

Photo: MIA