After the conquest of Pleven /on 10-th of December 1877/ the Russian headquarters draws its attention to the city of Sofia. The Western division which was leaded by General Iosif Gurko passes successfully Stara Planina through the Arabakonak ghat and enters into the Sofia field. The Russian military parts are divided in two columns under the command of General Nikolay Velqminov and General Otton Rauh. On the 3-rd of January 1878 they attacked together and successfully conquered the villages near Sofia. Faced with the real threat of siege, the Ottoman army of Osman Nuri Pasha began to bachtrack to Pernik and Radomir. After the intervention of the Austro – Hungarian Empire, France and Italy, arson attempt in Sofia had been thwarted.
On 4-th of January, at noon in the city enters General Rauh, and later that day General Gurko with his troops. They are greeted from the exultant citizens with music and songs. Major ammunition and supply depots are conquered. In the temple “St. Kral” /"St. Nedelya”/in the presence of the two generals is celebrated service for the Liberation of Sofia.
The date 4-th of January is always celebrated by the Sofia Municipality, public associations, clerics, Russian institutions in Bulgaria and citizens. Traditionally on this day in the temple “St. Nedelya” is celebrated service for the victims of the Russo – Turkish War. Procession is held to the monument of Tzar Oswoboditel, the bells of the churches in Sofia ring festive. There are different events in front of the monument of the Bugarian volunteers during the war.
