On August 25, 2025, Solomon Passy, President of the Atlantic Club, Maxim Behar, Vice President of the organization and CEO of M3 Communications, and Velizar Shalamanov, Director of Defense Policy, were part of the delegation that visited Kiev for the National Prayer Breakfast at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This is an event that brings together religious and community leaders, politicians, clergy, and representatives of civil society for breakfast, during which prayers and reflections are offered and values such as peace, unity, and justice are often discussed. In the United States, this takes the form of the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., held annually, usually on the first Thursday in February. The idea comes from religious leadership circles and networks that want to create a space where influential people—politicians, public leaders—can gather informally through prayer, spiritual speeches, and dialogue. Over time, this event has attracted the participation of politicians, presidents, diplomats, and others. The goal is often stated as strengthening the spiritual/moral dimensions of governing the country, supporting leaders, praying for peace, cooperation, etc.
The Bulgarian delegation in Kiev consisted of:
– Hristo Gadzhev;
– Ivaylo Mirchev;
– Solomon Passy;
– Todor Tagarev;
– Velizar Shalamanov;
– Maxim Behar;
– Svetoslav Ivanov;
– Ivan Anchev;
The prayer breakfast took place on the eve of the country’s national holiday. Upon the arrival of the AKB delegation on August 24, 2025, a reception was held in Kiev for the international guests and participants in the event, which provided an opportunity for informal conversations and solidarity with Ukraine at this difficult time for the country.
The next day, August 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the delegations and personally greeted those attending the prayer breakfast. One of the key messages was that “the aggressor must be stopped.” It was also noted that the event aimed to show international solidarity with Ukraine and support, despite the military actions and the current situation.
