The church at Kazanluk, Bulgaria

The church was built by the Russian Army, commemorating the victory over the Ottoman Turks at the battle of the Shipka pass.

Taken from: http://www.abvg.net/Shipka/

Built in the style of 17th century Russian churches, the exquisite Shipka Monastery and church are an impressive memorial to the heroism of the warriers in the Battle of Shipka.

The Russians lost 5,500 men in the battle for Shipka Pass. It is easy to understand why there is such a strong Russian connection. Not only are the Bulgarians and Russians both Slavs, but they are also both Eastern Orthodox. In 1878 it was Russia who rescued the Bulgarians from 500 years of Turkish rule. And, again, it was the Russians who rescued Bulgaria from the Nazis in the 1940's. But the Bulgarians know there is a very strong delineation between "Russia" and "Soviet Union".